

Elaine Dezenski on U.S. Sanctions and Economic Statecraft in 2025
Jan 29, 2025
Elaine Dezenski, a senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, shares her insights on the future of U.S. sanctions and economic strategies. She delves into U.S.-China relations, geopolitical challenges, and the need for stronger global alliances to combat authoritarian influences. Additionally, she discusses the evolving landscape of anti-corruption efforts and how sanctions play a critical role in this new Cold War dynamic. Dezenski’s expertise sheds light on the complexities and opportunities that lie ahead.
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Sanctions as Economic Statecraft
- The US sanctions policy will likely integrate more with broader economic tools.
- Expect to see sanctions used against both adversaries and allies for geopolitical goals.
Targeting Individuals within Sanction Regimes
- Sanctions might be used more strategically against specific individuals and entities rather than entire states.
- This could improve the efficacy of sanctions by targeting enablers of corruption and illicit finance.
Preparing for Potential Sanctions on China
- Prepare for potential sanctions against China, particularly if they invade Taiwan.
- A proactive, deterrence-oriented approach with economic tools could prevent conflict.