Helena Kopans-Johnson

Contact

[email protected]

Helena Kopans-Johnson is a research associate for trade policy at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). She holds a BA in government from Colby College.

Greenberg Center for Geoeconomic Studies

Trade Tools for Climate Action: Investor-State Dispute Settlement Reform

Although fossil fuel phase-outs are critical to achieving global climate goals, protections granted through Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) provisions to foreign-owned coal operations expose governments to costly litigation, threatening to thwart state action.

by Jennifer Hillman, Helena Kopans-Johnson and Inu Manak July 9, 2025
Trade

Trade Tools for Climate Action: Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms

Governments often rely on taxes to both discourage and encourage behavior. In the climate space, carbon taxes on production—which are levied in proportion to the carbon generated—aim to motivate comp…

by Jennifer Hillman, Helena Kopans-Johnson and Inu Manak May 19, 2025 Greenberg Center for Geoeconomic Studies
Trade

Trade Tools for Climate Action: Green Goods

Global trade in green goods is booming—reaching $1.9 trillion in 2022, a $100 billion increase from 2021. The World Trade Organization (WTO) estimates that trade in a list of select environmental pro…

by Jennifer Hillman, Helena Kopans-Johnson and Inu Manak April 6, 2025 Greenberg Center for Geoeconomic Studies
RealEcon

Repealing the IRA Has Trade-offs, Tweaking It Has Advantages

With over a third of the Inflation Reduction Act’s funding set to expire by the end of Donald Trump’s next term, Congress should prioritize the legislation’s most impactful initiatives: manufacturing and energy security.

by Helena Kopans-Johnson and Sophia Vaccaro December 16, 2024 RealEcon
RealEcon

The Price of What You Buy Online Is About to Go Up

Bipartisan support is growing to overhaul the de minimis rule, which exempts inexpensive imports from tariffs. However, Congress risks harming trade relations and spiking inflation if it isn't careful.

by Inu Manak and Helena Kopans-Johnson November 25, 2024 RealEcon
United States

In Green Steel Discussions, the United States Is Playing Dirty

The European Union should rebuff the Joe Biden administration’s protectionist boondoggle and refocus on genuine climate goals.

by Inu Manak and Helena Kopans-Johnson November 8, 2023 Renewing America
Trade

The Progressive Case for Globalization

with Inu Manak and Helena Kopans-Johnson via Cato Institute May 30, 2024
Trade

Tariffs on Trading Partners: Can the President Actually Do That?

Though Congress holds power over regulating commerce with foreign nations, it has incrementally delegated significant authority to the president, giving him broad discretion to take trade actions.

Report by Inu Manak and Helena Kopans-Johnson February 4, 2025 Greenberg Center for Geoeconomic Studies
Inu Manak

Trade

US standing in the way of CBAM, think tank says

Featuring Inu Manak and Helena Kopans-Johnson via Recycling Today November 9, 2023

United States

How the U.S. Patrols Its Borders

President Trump’s renewed focus on militarized enforcement of the southern U.S. border has recentered national security in the debate over U.S. asylum, border, and deportation policies.

by Diana Roy, Amelia Cheatham and Claire Klobucista July 28, 2025

Ukraine

Here’s How Much Aid the United States Has Sent Ukraine

Ten charts illustrate the extraordinary level of support the United States has provided Ukraine in its war against Russian invaders.

by Jonathan Masters and Will Merrow July 15, 2025

Sanctions

Three Years of War in Ukraine: Are Sanctions Against Russia Making a Difference?

The United States and its allies have imposed broad economic penalties on Russia over its war in Ukraine. As the conflict continues, experts debate whether the sanctions are working.

by CFR Editors July 14, 2025