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Crypto's Role in Global Sanctions and Trade

Mar 17, 2025
Kimberly Donovan, Director of the Economic Statecraft Initiative at the Atlantic Council, sheds light on the intersection of cryptocurrency and global sanctions. She discusses her transition from government to becoming a key voice in national security. The conversation dives into how countries like Russia and North Korea leverage crypto to bypass sanctions. Kimberly also emphasizes the importance of anti-money laundering measures to prevent the misuse of blockchain and the broader implications for global trade dynamics.
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ANECDOTE

Axis of Evasion Discovery

  • Research on Russian sanctions evasion revealed their collaboration with China and Iran in importing oil.
  • Further investigation uncovered a sophisticated "axis of evasion" network involving those countries and North Korea.
ADVICE

Network Focus and Collaboration

  • Consider network connections, not just individual actors, when analyzing sanctions evasion.
  • International collaboration is crucial for countering cross-border illicit activities.
INSIGHT

Blockchain's Transparency and Russia's Crypto Adoption

  • Blockchain's transparency can aid investigations by showing step-by-step transactions.
  • Russia's embrace of crypto is likely driven by sanctions and the need for alternative transaction methods.
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