Neutrality Studies Anti-Democracy: Sanctions Replace the Rule of Law | Patrik Baab
Jan 10, 2026
Patrik Baab, a German journalist and public intellectual known for his critical commentary on international conflicts, discusses the troubling implications of EU sanctions on citizens. He highlights how sanctions serve as anti-democratic tools that instill fear and repress dissent. Amidst discussions on Ukraine and cognitive warfare, he urges citizens to reclaim democracy through peaceful engagement, emphasizing the importance of diverse narratives in media and the need for grassroots resistance against authoritarian tendencies.
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Sanctions As Domestic Political Repression
- Patrik Baab argues EU sanctions against citizens function as political repression that creates fear and enforces obedience.
- He warns this foreign-policy tool undermines democracy and resembles classic dictatorship tactics.
West's Role In Prolonging Ukraine's War
- Patrik Baab says Western support prolonged Ukraine's war and left Ukrainians with a worse strategic choice.
- He claims the West cynically pushed Ukraine toward continued war rather than an acceptable peace in 2022.
Prepare Legally Against Sanctions Campaigns
- Baab advises citizens to expect bureaucratic indifference and to prepare legal defenses if targeted by sanctions.
- He urges vigilance because media-driven campaigns can push names onto sanction lists without thorough verification.
