Do Sanctions Still Work?
Summary
Hosts Jess and Ryan announce their third live show in New York City before exploring the efficacy of U.S. economic sanctions. They discuss how regimes in Russia, Iran, and North Korea evade penalties via China and cryptocurrency, diminishing their impact. The episode features Senator Richard Blumenthal, who defends a new bill granting President Trump authority to impose tariffs on buyers of Russian energy to pressure Putin.
Topics discussed
Announcement: Third live show in New York City
Introduction: The rise and debate over U.S. sanctions
Show intro and Mariner sponsor message
Historical context: Sanctions success in South Africa vs. failures elsewhere
How regimes evade sanctions via China, yuan, and crypto
Geopolitical implications: Weakening U.S. leverage and enforcement issues
The new Russia sanctions bill and Senator Graham's legacy
Sponsor messages: Optum and Accenture
Interview: Senator Blumenthal on the scope of new sanctions
Using tariffs as a geopolitical weapon against oil buyers
Concerns over enforcement and presidential authority limits
Political dynamics: Trump's support and Graham's influence
Conclusion: Sanctions as part of a broader strategy to end the war
Outro and credits
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