International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva delivers remarks on the global economy ahead of the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings, at the IMF headquarters in Washington, DC, on April 17, 2025.
What’s at stake? The effects of tariffs are high on the agenda. In her opening remarks on Friday, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva made clear the economic risks posed by escalating trade tensions and inconsistent US tariff policies. She emphasized that smaller economies are particularly vulnerable to external trade shocks. The core of her message: The years of countries relying on US consumer demand to drive their growth may be coming to an end, and the global economy needs to adapt.
Meanwhile, the fate of both institutions is also being whispered about, thanks to Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint developed by the Heritage Foundation that calls for ending US funding for the IMF and the World Bank. However, neither the president nor Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent — who is set to discuss the administration’s stance on these institutions on Wednesday — has shown any intention of implementing this proposal.
Why might they be spared? Both institutions offer financial support to struggling countries, but unlike the recently defunded USAID, they are not charities. Instead, they provide loans, which may shield them from any US spending cuts.
What to expect: As the institutions await direction from their primary donor, this week’s meetings are expected to focus on artificial intelligence — exploring how it can drive prosperity instead of destroying jobs — along with the global economic outlook amid growing instability.
We will be on the ground covering all of the action. Look for dispatches in GZERO Daily and on our Youtube, LinkedIn, and Instagram channels for the latest.At the 62nd Munich Security Conference, Parag Khanna, founder and CEO of AlphaGeo, says globalization isn't dead, it's evolving. Speaking with GZERO’s Tony Maciulis, he explains that countries are forming flexible alliances that expand and shrink based on their interests. “You’d rather be in the tent...if it suits your interest than not in it,” Khanna notes, highlighting how the US, Europe, and Asia are adapting to shifting global priorities.
Tune in today at 12pm ET/6pm CET for the live premiere of our Global Stage from the 2026 Munich Security Conference, where our panel of experts takes aim at the latest global security challenges. NY Times National Security Correspondent David Sanger moderates the discussion with Benedetta Berti, Secretary General, NATO Parliamentary Assembly; Ian Bremmer, President & Co-founder, Eurasia Group & GZERO Media; Dr. Wolfgang Dierker, Global Head of Government Affairs, SAP; and Brad Smith, Vice Chair & President, Microsoft.
Alina Polyakova, President and CEO of the Center for European Policy Analysis, warns that NATO faces a defining moment.
From the sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference in Munich, Polyakova told GZERO's Tony Maciulis that the Arctic has become “an arena of incredible global competition,” with Russia and China expanding their ambitions. While President Trump’s focus reflects “the right instincts” on security, she argues allies must strike a mutual deal to secure the region together.