Do Sanctions Still Work?
Summary
This episode examines the efficacy of U.S. economic sanctions, contrasting historical successes like South Africa with current failures against Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Host Jessica Mendoza discusses how adversaries evade penalties via China and cryptocurrency, featuring an interview with Senator Richard Blumenthal. They analyze a new bipartisan bill honoring the late Senator Lindsey Graham, which proposes aggressive sanctions and tariffs on Russian oil buyers to pressure Putin.
Topics discussed
Announcement: Third live show in New York City
The rise and debate over US economic sanctions
Sponsors: Harvey AI and Indeed
Historical context: Sanctions and the fall of apartheid
How regimes evade sanctions via China and crypto
US power dynamics and the need for targeted sanctions
Sponsors: Snapdragon and United for Business
Interview: Senator Blumenthal on the new Russia sanctions bill
The critical role of enforcement in sanctions policy
Using tariffs as a geopolitical weapon against Russia's buyers
Conclusion: Sanctions as part of a broader strategy
Outro and sponsors: SVB, First Citizens, and Disney+
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