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NatSec Matters

Economic Warfare: Eddie Fishman

Mar 26, 2025
Eddie Fishman, a sanctions expert and author of 'Chokepoints', discusses the intricate dance of economic warfare wielded by the U.S. against countries like Russia and China. He highlights how sanctions are reshaping global dynamics, especially in energy markets. Delving into secondary sanctions, he explores their effectiveness and the geopolitical tug-of-war involving Iran, China, and Israel. Fishman warns about the risks of over-reliance on these economic tools, urging a reevaluation of strategies in this age of great power rivalry.
45:28

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Quick takeaways

  • The evolution of economic warfare has shifted from military interventions to financial strategies, allowing the U.S. to impose significant pressure through sanctions without military presence.
  • China's growing partnership with Russia amid international sanctions highlights the complexities of economic conflict, emphasizing the need for the U.S. to adapt its strategies accordingly.

Deep dives

The Evolution of Economic Warfare

The tools of economic warfare have evolved significantly since the post-9/11 era, shifting from military-based interventions to financial strategies. In the past, traditional sanctions required military presence and enforcement, such as the UN sanctions against Iraq in the 1990s, which involved multinational forces patrolling the Persian Gulf. Today, globalization and advancements in legal frameworks allow the U.S. to impose sanctions simply by signing documents, targeting financial systems and supply chains without military intervention. This transformation gives the U.S. a powerful means of exerting influence over countries like Russia and Iran, demonstrating how economic tools can effectively serve national interests in a modern geopolitical landscape.

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