Sanctions, while intended to exert pressure and influence, inherently possess flaws that may lead to their eventual failure. The reliance on isolating nations from Western financial systems demonstrates a self-defeating dynamic; as countries become increasingly detached, the effectiveness and sustainability of sanctions diminish. This insight underscores the need for a critical reevaluation of the long-term impacts and efficacy of sanctions as a geopolitical strategy.
American sanctions can destroy a country’s economy. The unintended consequences are massive in places like Venezuela and Syria. Jeff Stein of the Washington Post explains why the US is so committed to a mistake.
This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Amina Al-Sadi and Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and hosted by Noel King.
Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast
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