Geoeconomic Agenda How Sanctions Work: Lessons from the Case of Iran
Oct 22, 2024
Narges Bajoghli and Vali Nasr, both esteemed scholars from Johns Hopkins-SAIS, delve into the intricacies of sanctions, particularly focusing on Iran. They discuss how sanctions, rather than promoting democracy, often entrench existing power structures. The conversation highlights the paradox of sanctions, their moral complexities, and the unintended consequences on the Iranian populace. Moreover, they draw parallels between U.S. sanction strategies on Iran and those imposed on Russia, emphasizing the importance of understanding historical context for effective policy.
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Sanctions' Actual Effects Differ
- Sanctions inevitably create pressure but rarely cause intended political or societal change.
- They inflict economic pain that triggers different effects than those policymakers expect.
Sanctions Harden Iranian Regime
- Maximum pressure sanctions on Iran strengthened hardline and dictatorial governance.
- Instead of compliance, harsher sanctions worsened Iran's nuclear and regional behavior.
Sanctions Empower Militarized Economy
- Sanctions drive economies into black and gray markets controlled by military elites.
- This criminalizes and securitizes economies, weakening democratic middle classes that spur progress.
