Debate: Sanctions Against Russia Don’t Work | Intelligence Squared

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the West has ramped up sanctions against Russia to an unprecedented level, but are the measures having the desired effect? 

Unquestionably, say sanctions supporters. With the loss of EU export markets, the withdrawal of over 1,000 foreign firms, and the tit for tat cut-off of gas exports, Putin is under serious pressure. And after losing ground on the battlefield and ordering a partial mobilisation of Russian citizens to support the war, it looks as though sanctions are working to some extent. At this rate, Putin may not be able to afford to continue the war indefinitely. And without access to the advanced Western technology Russia needs for its vital industries, there's a chance the regime won't be able to survive.

On the other hand, sanctions sceptics argue that such thinking is hopelessly misguided. No one is doubting that sanctions are hurting the Russian economy, they say, but where’s the evidence that they are making Putin change course? What’s helping the Ukrainians turn things around isn’t the economic squeeze on Russia, it’s military aid from the West. Meanwhile, due to the shortage of gas, Europe has been plunged into the worst cost of living crisis in decades, with energy bills in Britain set to triple and inflation rampant. Sanctions may give us the sense that we are doing something about the war in Ukraine but not only are they unlikely to help that country, they are also a spectacular own goal.

In this Intelligence Squared debate from November 2022, Richard Connolly, Simon Jenkins, Owen Matthews and Anna Reid take to the stage to discuss the impact of sanctions on the outcome of the war in Ukraine.

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