The Realignment 542 | Edward Fishman: Chokepoints - How America and Other Great Powers Wage Economic Warfare
22 snips
Mar 25, 2025 
Edward Fishman, an expert on economic statecraft, joins to discuss the rise of economic warfare and its implications for global politics. He delves into the effectiveness of sanctions against Russia and how they intersect with U.S. interests in Ukraine. The conversation touches on the strategic use of economic leverage in potential U.S.-China conflicts, particularly over Taiwan. Fishman also reflects on the decline of globalization, explaining how economic competition is reshaping international relations and emphasizing the need for strategic resilience in a rapidly changing world.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Fishman's Background
- Edward Fishman became interested in sanctions during the mid-2000s, sparked by the Iraq War and Iran's nuclear program.
- He worked for the Treasury and State Departments under Obama and Biden, focusing on Iran and Russia sanctions.
Sanctions as Tools
- Sanctions are a tool of economic statecraft with varying effectiveness, similar to military force.
- The US can inflict significant harm but struggles to translate that into desired political outcomes.
Russia Sanctions
- Initial sanctions on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine were strong, targeting the central bank and major financial institutions.
- However, the Biden administration avoided targeting Russia's oil sector due to inflation concerns in the US.
