The article argues that the post-Cold War era of U.S. unipolarity, established by the perceived invincibility demonstrated during the Gulf War, has ended. This decline is driven by globalization and technological diffusion, which have democratized advanced military capabilities, allowing regional actors to challenge major powers. Consequently, policymakers must prepare for a more volatile international order marked by frequent crises, heightened costs for securing global trade chokepoints, and reduced predictability from American power. The new rules dictate that great powers can no longer effortlessly impose their will through force.
How global rules can curb illicit gold trade flows
English Summary
Chatham House’s analysis argues that bolstering global rules surrounding gold trade, particularly through enhanced tracking and transparency, is crucial to curbing illicit flows linked to criminal economies. The report highlights how weak regulatory oversight and data gaps facilitate the exploitation of gold by transnational criminal networks, often originating in producer countries. Strengthening international cooperation and implementing standardized reporting requirements are identified as key policy options to mitigate these risks and safeguard global financial markets. Ultimately, improved governance of the gold supply chain is presented as a vital tool for combating financial crime and supporting legitimate trade.
中文摘要
智庫分析指出，加強全球黃金貿易相關規則，特別是透過提升追蹤和透明度，對於遏制與犯罪經濟相關的非法資金流動至關重要。報告強調，監管鬆散和數據缺乏使得跨國犯罪網絡能夠利用黃金，這些網絡通常起源於黃金產地國家。加強國際合作並實施標準化報告要求被認為是降低這些風險和保障全球金融市場的關鍵政策選項。最終，改善黃金供應鏈的治理被認為是打擊金融犯罪和支持合法貿易的關鍵工具。
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