Economist Podcasts Block busters: how Russia flouts sanctions
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Aug 27, 2024 
Kerry Richmond Jones, The Economist's international economics correspondent, discusses why Russia's economy is thriving despite heavy sanctions, revealing intricate trade routes and Russia's clever evasion tactics. Tom Gardner, the Africa correspondent, shares harrowing stories from Sudan, highlighting a family's desperate escape amidst escalating violence and a looming humanitarian crisis. They also touch on Turkey's controversial legislation regarding stray dogs, exploring its societal implications and cultural significance.
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Sanctions' Effectiveness Questioned
- Western sanctions primarily target Russia's military technology imports and financial institutions.
- Despite these measures, Russia's economy shows unexpected growth, raising concerns about sanctions' effectiveness.
Comprehensive Sanctions Regime
- The EU imposed 14 sanction packages on Russia, including bans on battlefield goods and financial transactions with Russian entities.
- These sanctions extend to seemingly unrelated items like microwaves, reflecting policymakers' fears of any potential military use.
Kazakhstan's Role in Sanctions Evasion
- Russia's tech imports from Europe decreased, while imports from Kazakhstan increased significantly.
- This suggests a rerouting of goods, with Kazakhstan potentially acting as an intermediary, raising questions about true sanction impact.