Mona Paulsen
@monapaulsen.bsky.social
Assistant Professor in International Economic Law, LSE Law School. Specialisation in international trade law and economic security, in addition to research and teaching interests in international investment law, international development, and IPE.
Pinned
Mona Paulsen
@monapaulsen.bsky.social
· Aug 12
Happy to share my publication, The Past, Present, and Potential of Economic Security, in 50 Yale Journal of International Law 222 (Summer 2025), now available on Hein Online (DM if you cannot access through your local libraries). My thanks to the student editors who worked hard on this publication.
Umm... does anyone have any further information on this plan? www.reuters.com/world/us-pla...
Exclusive: US plans online portal to bypass content bans in Europe and elsewhere
The portal could potentially put Washington in the unfamiliar position of appearing to encourage citizens to flout local laws.
www.reuters.com
February 19, 2026 at 1:33 PM
Umm... does anyone have any further information on this plan? www.reuters.com/world/us-pla...
Reposted by Mona Paulsen
I read China's new communication on #WTO reform and wrote up some of my initial thoughts: www.linkedin.com/pulse/now-ch...
And now China enters the WTO Reform Chat...
New: China's communication to the WTO on reform is now live. WT/GC/W/989 What can we learn? Well, as first thoughts, and with the end of snake shedding, and a new year, shall the WTO gallop as a fire ...
www.linkedin.com
February 18, 2026 at 6:24 PM
I read China's new communication on #WTO reform and wrote up some of my initial thoughts: www.linkedin.com/pulse/now-ch...
I read China's new communication on #WTO reform and wrote up some of my initial thoughts: www.linkedin.com/pulse/now-ch...
And now China enters the WTO Reform Chat...
New: China's communication to the WTO on reform is now live. WT/GC/W/989 What can we learn? Well, as first thoughts, and with the end of snake shedding, and a new year, shall the WTO gallop as a fire ...
www.linkedin.com
February 18, 2026 at 6:24 PM
I read China's new communication on #WTO reform and wrote up some of my initial thoughts: www.linkedin.com/pulse/now-ch...
The clapback is on point.
February 18, 2026 at 4:41 PM
The clapback is on point.
YouTube now up for viewing: www.youtube.com/live/27ThnZs...
February 18, 2026 at 4:12 PM
YouTube now up for viewing: www.youtube.com/live/27ThnZs...
The opacity continues to boggle me. We still have no information on the source of funding (state-owned or private banks), and we don't know what checks remain in place for these transactions. Have to wonder about the long-term impacts of shaping industrial policy through foreign investment deals.
US and Japan unveil the first three industrial projects in America, worth $36bn, to receive financing under a $550bn deal struck last year that protected Japanese companies from the worst of Trump’s tariffs.
by @urbandirt.bsky.social, @davidkeo.bsky.social & Harry Dempsey
by @urbandirt.bsky.social, @davidkeo.bsky.social & Harry Dempsey
US and Japan unveil first mega-projects under $550bn deal
Oil, natural gas and synthetic diamond facilities worth a combined $36bn mark crucial progress on pledged financing
www.ft.com
February 18, 2026 at 4:10 PM
The opacity continues to boggle me. We still have no information on the source of funding (state-owned or private banks), and we don't know what checks remain in place for these transactions. Have to wonder about the long-term impacts of shaping industrial policy through foreign investment deals.
Honoured to join colleagues at The Peterson Institute today for a discussion on #WTO reform.
Please join me at 9.00 EST/14.00 GMT, with Petros Mavroidis, Victor do Prado and our moderator, Cecilia Malmstrom.
www.piie.com/events/2026/...
Please join me at 9.00 EST/14.00 GMT, with Petros Mavroidis, Victor do Prado and our moderator, Cecilia Malmstrom.
www.piie.com/events/2026/...
Is the World Trade Organization at a crossroads?
Ministers from 166 countries will meet in March in Yaoundé, Cameroon, for the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The meeting takes place at a time when multilateral org...
www.piie.com
February 18, 2026 at 8:37 AM
Honoured to join colleagues at The Peterson Institute today for a discussion on #WTO reform.
Please join me at 9.00 EST/14.00 GMT, with Petros Mavroidis, Victor do Prado and our moderator, Cecilia Malmstrom.
www.piie.com/events/2026/...
Please join me at 9.00 EST/14.00 GMT, with Petros Mavroidis, Victor do Prado and our moderator, Cecilia Malmstrom.
www.piie.com/events/2026/...
Reposted by Mona Paulsen
Is it way too early to speculate about AOC's foreign/trade policy as president? Yes!
Is it fun to do it anyway? Absolutely!
Based on her remarks in Europe, I took a shot at it.
And even if you don't care what I had to say, you may still like the partial transcript I provided at the end.
Is it fun to do it anyway? Absolutely!
Based on her remarks in Europe, I took a shot at it.
And even if you don't care what I had to say, you may still like the partial transcript I provided at the end.
AOC on Foreign Policy and Trade Policy
AOC spoke on a couple panels last week at the Munich Security Conference and also spoke at the Technische Universität Berlin, and this European trip was widely seen as a move to establish some foreign...
ielp.worldtradelaw.net
February 17, 2026 at 12:44 PM
Is it way too early to speculate about AOC's foreign/trade policy as president? Yes!
Is it fun to do it anyway? Absolutely!
Based on her remarks in Europe, I took a shot at it.
And even if you don't care what I had to say, you may still like the partial transcript I provided at the end.
Is it fun to do it anyway? Absolutely!
Based on her remarks in Europe, I took a shot at it.
And even if you don't care what I had to say, you may still like the partial transcript I provided at the end.
I remain unconvinced that consumers' preferences will ever shift towards geopolitics.
Because my kid has lost their purple toque, and it does not matter who made it or how, that hat is the only hat in the entire world worth wearing and will never, ever, apparently, find a replacement.
Because my kid has lost their purple toque, and it does not matter who made it or how, that hat is the only hat in the entire world worth wearing and will never, ever, apparently, find a replacement.
February 17, 2026 at 11:26 AM
I remain unconvinced that consumers' preferences will ever shift towards geopolitics.
Because my kid has lost their purple toque, and it does not matter who made it or how, that hat is the only hat in the entire world worth wearing and will never, ever, apparently, find a replacement.
Because my kid has lost their purple toque, and it does not matter who made it or how, that hat is the only hat in the entire world worth wearing and will never, ever, apparently, find a replacement.
Remains possible ecosec strategies through a web of subsidiary int'l agreements may push formalisation through firm contract commitments. Hard to predict. And, anyone who taught the ISDS dispute Orascom v Algeria knows the idea of easily determining control and nationality has another thing coming.
This week's MFN is about telling Trump you're going to do things, not doing them, and then hoping he doesn't notice.
mostfavourednation.substack.com/p/strategic-...
mostfavourednation.substack.com/p/strategic-...
Strategic under-implementation
Slow-walking, tariff payments, least favoured nation, and digital rules of origin
mostfavourednation.substack.com
February 16, 2026 at 5:50 PM
Remains possible ecosec strategies through a web of subsidiary int'l agreements may push formalisation through firm contract commitments. Hard to predict. And, anyone who taught the ISDS dispute Orascom v Algeria knows the idea of easily determining control and nationality has another thing coming.
In reviewing reactions to Rubio’s speech, I cannot unsee the historical misunderstanding. After the First World War, the US sought equality for commercial opportunity to defeat the old order grounded in British imperial preferences.
February 16, 2026 at 9:38 AM
In reviewing reactions to Rubio’s speech, I cannot unsee the historical misunderstanding. After the First World War, the US sought equality for commercial opportunity to defeat the old order grounded in British imperial preferences.
I mean…did they?
The US expected its global trade partners to take Trump's tariffs lying down. They did the opposite — and they're gaining ground
Trump’s Trade Moves Are Making Everyone Else Great Again
The US expected its global trade partners to take Washington’s tariffs lying down. They did the opposite — and they're gaining ground.
bloom.bg
February 14, 2026 at 5:16 PM
I mean…did they?
The slow growth of broad-based commitments to Trump’s ecosec agenda may reveal that, while Trump certainly directs government power in a chaotic way, repeated endorsement of this authority by trade partners (under the threat of tariffs) has begun to formalise "America First" global governance.
February 14, 2026 at 3:30 PM
The slow growth of broad-based commitments to Trump’s ecosec agenda may reveal that, while Trump certainly directs government power in a chaotic way, repeated endorsement of this authority by trade partners (under the threat of tariffs) has begun to formalise "America First" global governance.
Reposted by Mona Paulsen
IMF discussing electricity tariffs revisions with Pakistan reut.rs/4bUNhu5
IMF discussing electricity tariffs revisions with Pakistan
The International Monetary Fund is discussing proposed electricity tariff revisions with Pakistan authorities, the fund said in a statement to Reuters on Saturday, adding that the burden of the revisions should not fall on middle‑ or lower‑income households.
"The ongoing discussions with the authorities will assess whether the proposed tariff revisions are consistent with these commitments and evaluate their potential impact on macroeconomic stability, including inflation," it said in its statement.
reut.rs
February 13, 2026 at 11:30 PM
IMF discussing electricity tariffs revisions with Pakistan reut.rs/4bUNhu5
Reposted by Mona Paulsen
China to implement zero tariffs on imports from 53 African countries
https://asia.nikkei.com/spotlight/belt-and-road/china-to-implement-zero-tariffs-on-imports-from-53-african-countries
https://asia.nikkei.com/spotlight/belt-and-road/china-to-implement-zero-tariffs-on-imports-from-53-african-countries
China to implement zero tariffs on imports from 53 African countries
New measure to expand African exports to the country will start on May 1
asia.nikkei.com
February 14, 2026 at 8:25 AM
China to implement zero tariffs on imports from 53 African countries
https://asia.nikkei.com/spotlight/belt-and-road/china-to-implement-zero-tariffs-on-imports-from-53-african-countries
https://asia.nikkei.com/spotlight/belt-and-road/china-to-implement-zero-tariffs-on-imports-from-53-african-countries
Reposted by Mona Paulsen
US Sec of State Rubio skips Ukraine meeting with European leaders in Munich. He canceled attendance at last minute in move that EU official calls ‘insane’
www.ft.com/content/fdd6...
www.ft.com/content/fdd6...
Rubio skips Ukraine meeting with European leaders in Munich
US secretary of state cancels attendance at last minute in move that EU official calls ‘insane’
www.ft.com
February 13, 2026 at 9:56 PM
US Sec of State Rubio skips Ukraine meeting with European leaders in Munich. He canceled attendance at last minute in move that EU official calls ‘insane’
www.ft.com/content/fdd6...
www.ft.com/content/fdd6...
Reducing reliance on fossil fuels is the clear thesis. I’d add that trade could and should remain a part of the EU/UK green energy push…
Which may mean more not less coordination with China to advance wind and solar generation…
And it’s also a good focal point for talks with other open economies.
Which may mean more not less coordination with China to advance wind and solar generation…
And it’s also a good focal point for talks with other open economies.
"Reducing reliance on fossil fuels looks like Europe’s best shot at saving its domestic manufacturing and stopping other governments from pushing it around."
Outstanding article in The Wall Street Journal. www.wsj.com/business/ene...
Outstanding article in The Wall Street Journal. www.wsj.com/business/ene...
February 14, 2026 at 1:26 PM
Reducing reliance on fossil fuels is the clear thesis. I’d add that trade could and should remain a part of the EU/UK green energy push…
Which may mean more not less coordination with China to advance wind and solar generation…
And it’s also a good focal point for talks with other open economies.
Which may mean more not less coordination with China to advance wind and solar generation…
And it’s also a good focal point for talks with other open economies.
Reposted by Mona Paulsen
Rubio just made a speech to the European defense community in Munich that did not mention Ukraine. Or democracy. Or US business deals with Russia. Or the administration's plans to support the European far right. But there were lots of nice words about our common civilization.
February 14, 2026 at 9:56 AM
Rubio just made a speech to the European defense community in Munich that did not mention Ukraine. Or democracy. Or US business deals with Russia. Or the administration's plans to support the European far right. But there were lots of nice words about our common civilization.
Reposted by Mona Paulsen
Roses are red, violets are blue,
If you don't agree to those tariff conditions,
You better pay up billions in US energy acquisitions.
My heart, its yours, through emergency and wars,
You must complement our economic security
Or your industries will surely fade away into obscurity.
...
If you don't agree to those tariff conditions,
You better pay up billions in US energy acquisitions.
My heart, its yours, through emergency and wars,
You must complement our economic security
Or your industries will surely fade away into obscurity.
...
February 13, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Roses are red, violets are blue,
If you don't agree to those tariff conditions,
You better pay up billions in US energy acquisitions.
My heart, its yours, through emergency and wars,
You must complement our economic security
Or your industries will surely fade away into obscurity.
...
If you don't agree to those tariff conditions,
You better pay up billions in US energy acquisitions.
My heart, its yours, through emergency and wars,
You must complement our economic security
Or your industries will surely fade away into obscurity.
...
Roses are red, violets are blue,
If you don't agree to those tariff conditions,
You better pay up billions in US energy acquisitions.
My heart, its yours, through emergency and wars,
You must complement our economic security
Or your industries will surely fade away into obscurity.
...
If you don't agree to those tariff conditions,
You better pay up billions in US energy acquisitions.
My heart, its yours, through emergency and wars,
You must complement our economic security
Or your industries will surely fade away into obscurity.
...
February 13, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Roses are red, violets are blue,
If you don't agree to those tariff conditions,
You better pay up billions in US energy acquisitions.
My heart, its yours, through emergency and wars,
You must complement our economic security
Or your industries will surely fade away into obscurity.
...
If you don't agree to those tariff conditions,
You better pay up billions in US energy acquisitions.
My heart, its yours, through emergency and wars,
You must complement our economic security
Or your industries will surely fade away into obscurity.
...
No point giving oxygen to every threat.
USMCA review has begun. Canada is free to pursue all trade agreements. Canada must notify USMCA partners in the event it seeks a free trade area with China, and accept potential bifurcation of the existing USMCA as a cost to it.
That's it.
USMCA review has begun. Canada is free to pursue all trade agreements. Canada must notify USMCA partners in the event it seeks a free trade area with China, and accept potential bifurcation of the existing USMCA as a cost to it.
That's it.
Trump, in the middle of his latest unhinged Truth Social screed, claims that if Canada makes a trade deal with China, "the first thing China will do is terminate ALL Ice Hockey being played in Canada, and permanently eliminate The Stanley Cup."
February 10, 2026 at 2:44 PM
No point giving oxygen to every threat.
USMCA review has begun. Canada is free to pursue all trade agreements. Canada must notify USMCA partners in the event it seeks a free trade area with China, and accept potential bifurcation of the existing USMCA as a cost to it.
That's it.
USMCA review has begun. Canada is free to pursue all trade agreements. Canada must notify USMCA partners in the event it seeks a free trade area with China, and accept potential bifurcation of the existing USMCA as a cost to it.
That's it.
Growing commitments to complement US coercive practices seem to be an ever-growing attempt by the US to legitimise its actions.
Are these commitments puffery or a worrying binding of many countries to a US neo-royal techno-imperialist plan?
www.linkedin.com/posts/mppaul...
Are these commitments puffery or a worrying binding of many countries to a US neo-royal techno-imperialist plan?
www.linkedin.com/posts/mppaul...
At a time when states must think long-term and develop strategies for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, driven by a plethora of stakeholders and technological advancements, what are we seeing?… | Mona...
At a time when states must think long-term and develop strategies for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, driven by a plethora of stakeholders and technological advancements, what are we seeing? Neo-roy...
www.linkedin.com
February 10, 2026 at 8:36 AM
Growing commitments to complement US coercive practices seem to be an ever-growing attempt by the US to legitimise its actions.
Are these commitments puffery or a worrying binding of many countries to a US neo-royal techno-imperialist plan?
www.linkedin.com/posts/mppaul...
Are these commitments puffery or a worrying binding of many countries to a US neo-royal techno-imperialist plan?
www.linkedin.com/posts/mppaul...
If there are efforts to grant special and preferential (not equal) treatment to meet the development needs of advanced economies, will they continue to grant equivalent preferences to developing economies? Or will we see a new era of dependency and ordering that cloaks protection as public goods?
February 9, 2026 at 5:45 PM
If there are efforts to grant special and preferential (not equal) treatment to meet the development needs of advanced economies, will they continue to grant equivalent preferences to developing economies? Or will we see a new era of dependency and ordering that cloaks protection as public goods?
Did Bad Bunny just give the American Society of International Law its theme for the year?
The breadth of the “Americas”
Not sure an academic conference can bring joy. But I'd like to think it could.
The breadth of the “Americas”
Not sure an academic conference can bring joy. But I'd like to think it could.
February 9, 2026 at 4:21 PM
Did Bad Bunny just give the American Society of International Law its theme for the year?
The breadth of the “Americas”
Not sure an academic conference can bring joy. But I'd like to think it could.
The breadth of the “Americas”
Not sure an academic conference can bring joy. But I'd like to think it could.
Reposted by Mona Paulsen
U.K. Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle is heading to Brussels to dissuade the European Commission from shutting Britain out of its proposed “Made in Europe” initiative.
Britain’s trade chief races to Brussels to avoid ‘Made in Europe’ shutout
U.K. officials fear that planned industry act could lock British firms out of key European supply chains.
www.politico.eu
February 6, 2026 at 8:43 AM
U.K. Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle is heading to Brussels to dissuade the European Commission from shutting Britain out of its proposed “Made in Europe” initiative.