Are U.S. Sanctions on Russia Working?
Two experts debate why the Russian economy has proved relatively resilient.
Over the course of an era of American dominance, Washington has built an unprecedented ability to inflict pain on what it deems to be rogue actors in the international system. The U.S. toolkit of sanctions and second- and third-order measures can cut off most countries—or companies—from global commerce and trade. This unparalleled strength, in tandem with the efforts of a network of allies, can have profound effects on geopolitics and the behavior of states. But conversely, if the United States overuses its ability to sanction other countries, then the effectiveness of those measures can erode; some large economies can seek to create alternatives to Western financial systems and to the U.S. dollar itself.
Ravi Agrawal is the editor in chief of Foreign Policy. Twitter: @RaviReports
More from Foreign Policy

A New Multilateralism
How the United States can rejuvenate the global institutions it created.

America Prepares for a Pacific War With China It Doesn’t Want
Embedded with U.S. forces in the Pacific, I saw the dilemmas of deterrence firsthand.

The Endless Frustration of Chinese Diplomacy
Beijing’s representatives are always scared they could be the next to vanish.

The End of America’s Middle East
The region’s four major countries have all forfeited Washington’s trust.
Join the Conversation
Commenting on this and other recent articles is just one benefit of a Foreign Policy subscription.
Already a subscriber?
.Subscribe Subscribe
View Comments
Join the Conversation
Join the conversation on this and other recent Foreign Policy articles when you subscribe now.
Subscribe Subscribe
Not your account?
View Comments
Join the Conversation
Please follow our comment guidelines, stay on topic, and be civil, courteous, and respectful of others’ beliefs.