Institut für Weltwirtschaft

The Institut für Weltwirtschaft (IfW Kiel), or Kiel Institute for the World Economy, is a prominent German economic research institute. It is newsworthy because Gabriel Felbermayr, a former president of the IfW, has recently been appointed as one of Germany's "Wirtschaftsweisen" (economic advisors) to the federal government. This role gives him significant influence on economic policy. Recent articles highlight Felbermayr's evolving views on trade, suggesting a departure from the traditional dogma that free trade is always beneficial. Furthermore, the IfW's expertise on global economic issues, particularly concerning energy markets, is relevant in the context of rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, drawing parallels to the oil crises of the 1970s. The IfW's research and analysis are therefore crucial for understanding and navigating current economic challenges.