The William R. Rhodes Center for International Economics and Finance, based at Brown University's Watson School of International and Public Affairs, is dedicated to understanding how geopolitics, economics, and global finance intersect to shape an increasingly interconnected and uncertain world. The Center promotes rigorous, interdisciplinary scholarship on the cross-border movement of capital, goods, services, and people, and on the forces driving global differences in growth, development, and economic policy. Bringing together faculty and students from economics, political science, sociology, and beyond, the Rhodes Center supports research through fellowships, grants, and visiting scholar programs, while fostering dialogue between the academic and policy communities through conferences, lectures, and its podcast series. As global markets, technology, and geopolitics continue to reshape one another, the Center is committed to training the next generation of international economists and equipping students, scholars, and policymakers alike with the tools to navigate a rapidly evolving global economic landscape.

Conferences

More about the Inaugural Rhodes Center Annual International Economics and National Security Conference coming soon.

Speakers

Please check our event listings for full details.

Global Challenges Research Seminar

In collaboration with other Watson research centers we have curated a program of speakers for the new Global Challenges Research Seminar series, which explores the political, economic, environmental, and security threats shaping the 21st century.

Podcast

As ever, we will continue the Rhodes Center Podcast with each of these authors as they present at Brown, so watch for updates. 

Postdocs

Izaura Solipa and Albina Gibadullina will be continuing their excellent work and research into their second year.
We will be welcoming the inaugural Rhodes Geopolitics Postdoctoral Research Associate, María Ballesteros, who will begin her appointment on Aug. 1st, 2026.