Sanctions

Scenario Invoking the suffering of the Russian people and a narrative of constant betrayals by the West, President Vladimir Putin declared that Russia was within its rights to reclaim Crimea (formerly a part of Ukraine), and then signed a treaty that did just that. Putin, defiant in the face of U.S. and European pressure, dispensed with legal deliberation and announced a swift annexation of Crimea, as if to put Europe’s most serious crisis in decades beyond the point where the results could be turned back. In Kiev, Ukrainian officials said they would never recognize or accept the loss of Crimea. How should the US respond?

Russian Sanctions The United States has steadily increased the diplomatic and financial costs of Russia’s aggressive actions towards Ukraine. We have designated a number of Russian and Ukrainian entities, including 14 defense companies and individuals in Putin’s inner circle, as well as imposed targeted sanctions limiting certain financing to six of Russia’s largest banks and four energy companies. We have also suspended credit finance that encourages exports to Russia and financing for economic development projects in Russia, and are now prohibiting the provision, exportation, or reexportation of goods, services (not including financial services), or technology in support of exploration or production for deepwater, Arctic offshore, or shale projects that have the potential to produce oil in the Russian Federation, or in maritime area claimed by the Russian Federation and extending from its territory, and that involve five major Russian energy companies. These actions, in close coordination with our EU and international partners, send a strong message to the Russian government that there are consequences for their actions that threaten the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The United States, together with international partners, will continue to stand by the Ukrainian government until Russia abides by its international obligations. The United States is prepared to take additional steps to impose further political and economic costs. A secure Ukraine, integrated with Europe and enjoying good relations with all its neighbors, is in the interests of the United States, Europe, and Russia.

3-2-1 on Sanction Article Embargo = stopping of all trade Sanction = stopping of specific trade

Cuba Take notes on the arguments for and against imposing sanctions on Cuba. Once you’ve finished reading, consider where you stand. Should we keep current sanctions, and reintroduce previous sanctions?

Selective Sanctions

Who Should We Sanction Today? We have learned that sanctions are not always useful. Still, we also learned that they have sometimes put pressure on governments to act in ways that we like. Consider which countries the US might want to influence in today’s context. Develop a sanction proposal for one country. Explain why you think these sanctions might change the country’s behavior. North Korea Article!