Philip Luck

Director, Economics Program and Scholl Chair in International Business
Phil Luck

Philip A. Luck is director of the CSIS Economics Program and Scholl Chair in International Business. He served in the Biden-Harris administration as the deputy chief economist at the U.S. Department of State. Dr. Luck is an expert on the economics of international trade, global supply chains, and international migration policy. He has spent his career in public service, both in government and academia. At the Department of State, Dr. Luck led analytical efforts to combat sanctions and export control evasion, increase global supply chain resilience, combat economic coercion, as well as improve migration policy design and implementation. Prior to joining the U.S. Department of State, Philip was an assistant professor of economics at the University of Colorado, Denver. Dr. Luck’s research focuses on the international organization of production—specifically, how international trade and migration impact the structure of firms, supply chains, demand for skills, labor market dynamics, and aggregate welfare. His research has been published in leading economic journals, including the Review of Economics and Statistics, Journal of Labor Economics, Journal of Economic Geography, and Review of International Economics. His work has also been covered in major publications including the New York Times, The Economist, the Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, and RealClear Markets. A devoted teacher, he has taught at Drexel University and Claremont McKenna College as well as the University of Colorado, Denver. He graduated with honors in economics from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and earned MSc and PhD degrees in economics from the University of California, Davis.

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Reining in the Export Control Arms Race

Export controls are evolving from a national security policy tool to an instrument of economic coercion. When Trump and Xi meet next in May, reigning in the arms race should be at the top of the agenda.

Commentary by Kate Koren, Scott Kennedy, Philip Luck, and Ilaria Mazzocco — April 10, 2026

EST Rapid Roundup: Is the WTO at a Turning Point?

The 14th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference opens in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Join CSIS to examine the issues that will shape its reform agenda, surrounding decision-making, the level playing field, and special treatment provisions for developing countries.

Event — March 25, 2026

Practical H-1B Reforms to Serve U.S. Economic Interests

A new CSIS brief analyzes recent H-1B visa reforms, warning that steep fee increases risk undermining U.S. competitiveness. It outlines evidence-based policy alternatives to align immigration with Washington's economic and strategic goals.

Brief by Philip Luck and Thibault Denamiel — February 2, 2026

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Why Economic Coercion Over Greenland Would Backfire

An audio version of "⁠Why Economic Coercion Over Greenland Would Backfire⁠," a new Critical Questions by CSIS's Philip Luck. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by Philip Luck — January 28, 2026

Audio Briefs

Why Economic Coercion Over Greenland Would Backfire

Phil Luck examines the critical questions around the Trump administration’s recent threats to impose tariffs on European allies in connection with Greenland. 

Critical Questions by Philip Luck — January 28, 2026