Guidelines and Rules

The International Economics Olympiad consists of two rounds: regional and international. Finalists from each region will advance to the international round.

Regional Round (Essay)

Regions are broken up into the following:

East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania
Europe, Russia, and Central Asia
Middle East, North Africa, Central and South Africa
South America, Central America, Mexico, and the islands of the Caribbean
North America

Prompts are released on the launch the day of the Olympiad. For preparation materials and a sample essay, see our Resources page.

Requirements

Must choose one of three economic prompts released on launch day.
Essays must be no more than 1000 words.

Submissions must be in PDF format.

Submissions must be within 7 days of the launch date.

An MLA-style bibliography must be included.

Essays are judged on:

1. Depth of Economic Understanding

Identify the core of the economic issue at hand and go beyond surface-level analysis. Demonstrate understanding of economic theories, systems, and real-world applications.

Show not just what is happening, but why it is happening economically. Use case studies, historical examples, and academic sources to support your claims.

2. Clarity of Expression

Present your ideas with academic precision and solid articulation. Be concise, and make sure your argument is intelligible to the reader.

Choose a position and commit to it, your clarity of language should reflect the clarity of your reasoning.

3. Structure and Purpose

Every paragraph should serve a clear function for your argument. Begin with a defined thesis and develop it logically across your essay.

Transitions must be smooth and purposeful, showing how each idea connects to the next.

4. Originality and Critical Thinking

While your essay should be rooted in research and evidence, it should also display unique perspectives and creativity.

A strong response challenges assumptions and explores contradictions. Engage with counterarguments and rebuttals.

5. Feasibility and Real-World Application

Innovative proposals are encouraged yet they must be grounded in economic logic or historical precedent.

When proposing solutions or evaluating decisions, show that you have thought about real-world limitations and implications.

6. Ethical and Personal Voice

Economics is never value-neutral. Arguments should reflect a strong moral and intellectual compass, even in the face of complex trade-offs.

Be prepared to explain your position through the lens of ethics as well.

Possible essay topics

Housing Market

How do supply, demand, and government policy interact to shape housing affordability, accessibility, and stability in different societies?

Government Regulation and Monopolies

To what extent should governments intervene to regulate monopolistic power and ensure competition, innovation, and consumer welfare in the economy?

Inequality and Redistribution

What balance should be struck between efficiency and equity in an economy?

Globalization and Trade

Do the benefits of free trade outweigh the costs in today’s interconnected world?

Recession Policy

How should governments and central banks respond to economic downturns through fiscal and monetary policy to balance short-term recovery with long-term stability?

Sustainability and Growth

Can long-term economic growth be compatible with environmental protection?

Innovation and Productivity

What role should governments play in fostering technological progress?

Digital Economy and Regulation

How should policymakers respond to challenges from big tech, digital currencies, and AI-driven markets?

International Round (Debate)

The international round is a debate. Seven days before the debate, a briefing is sent with three prompts that students are expected to prepare for. On the day of the debate finalists are assigned to a nation or international institution. The debate follows the format outlined below.

Debate Format:
Modified Parliamentary Style (individual-based, not team-based)

Positions:
Finalists are assigned a nation or international organization (i.e IMF, World Bank, etc) to represent.

Possible Topics:

Crypto and digital currencies and their effect on the global economic structure.

The effectiveness of debt relief and aid from organizations like the IMF and World Bank, and their impact on the global economy.

Economic benefits and drawbacks of small and large nations pivoting towards green energy.

The positive and negative effects of AI on labor markets and income distribution.

Preparation Guidelines:

Topics and prompts will be released 7 days before the debate.

Position briefings will be sent however participants are encouraged to expand with their own research.

Arguments must be prepared in alignment with national or institutional goals of the assigned nation or organization while addressing the global implications.

Structure:

Opening Statement (3 minutes) – Participants present their argument.

Opponent Rebuttal (4 minutes) – Opposing participant respond and critique the opposition.

Cross-Examination (4 minutes total) – Moderated Q&A between participants.

Closing Statement (2 minutes) – Final arguments both participants.

Each debate is approximately 15–20 minutes, including transitions and brief moderator remarks.

Rules & Conduct

Respect & Civility: Personal attacks, disrespectful language, or interruptions will not be tolerated. Maintain professionalism at all times.

Factual Integrity: All evidence used must be truthful, verifiable, and clearly presented. Fabrication of data will lead to immediate disqualification.

Time Limits: Strict adherence to time limits will be enforced. A timekeeper will signal

1-minute and final 10-second warnings.

Judging Criteria:

Clarity of Argument (25%)
Arguments must answer the question and use clear language to defend your position.
Depth of Insight & Analysis (25%)
Positions must be defended with examples, logic, and proof from the research.
Evidence & Research Quality (25%)
Display knowledge of the subject matter by mentioning quotes, prominent examples, and evidence based theories.
Rhetorical Persuasiveness (25%)
Arguments must be formulated with rhetorical devices while avoiding logical fallacies.

Each finalist will be evaluated by our panel of scholars, professors, and social science professionals.

There will be first, second, and third place finalists.

Anti-Plagiarism Policy

Zero Tolerance for Cheating

All essays debate research must reflect the student’s own work. Any instance of plagiarism, AI-generated content without disclosure, or unauthorized collaboration will result in disqualification. Submissions will be reviewed with advanced plagiarism and authorship detection tools.