Everyone is asking me about Russian sanctions since it’s on every news station. Let me make one thing clear despite what you are hearing from the so-called “experts” making their propaganda pitch.
SANCTIONS DO NOT WORK…EVER!!!
I won’t go down the financial stat rabbit hole. Instead, I’ll address this issue by framing it from a human response and emotional perspective.
Here are 3 reasons why sanctions do not work.
1. Sanctions Unite Your Enemy – You might ask yourself how that can be. Well let’s reverse the situation. If Russia, China, Afghanistan, and every other country the USA vilified decided to unanimously impose sanctions on the USA how would we respond? Without doubt we would band together and say, “Those jerks are trying to hurt our businesses, government, and economy!”
That is the exact emotional response to sanctions. Cutting off businesses which employ normal everyday people trying to support their families only fosters hate amongst everyday citizens. Furthermore, sanctions allow the opponents’ political leaders to proclaim, “See, they do not like you and want to hurt your family!”
2. Historically, Sanctions Always FAIL! – There is not one instance in history where they have worked out for the better. The end result is always economic declines and/or violence. Don’t believe me? Do some real research (not just read news articles) by digging into the outcomes yourself.
Keep in mind many US companies have huge international operations in Russia and neighboring countries. Sanctions will negatively impact their employees and our country too.
3. There Are Ways Around Sanctions – True, they make operations for governments and business harder. There are strategies to bypass sanctions, and savvy leaders anticipate this move. Foolishly, the USA provided a heads up for initial sanctions in April 2021. Naturally, Russia began selling US based assets in June 2021. Don’t believe me? You can read the announcement HERE. Plus, governments have alternative financial strategies to move money with partner countries. Cuz ya know they have these things called the Treasury and Central Banks.
Let me provide an example. You store your life savings, jewelry, and more in an at home safe. You decide to attack your annoying neighbor that always blows his tree leaves onto your property. As you plan the attack to end this nonsensical leaf blowing you surmise there is a decent chance your neighbor hits you over the head with the leaf blower thus winning the battle and leaving your house vulnerable and full of leaves. Wouldn’t you move your money to your cousin’s house just in case?
Is war necessary? Unfortunately, it is in some situations. Can it be avoided? Yes.
Understandably this is a very difficult situation. There are multiple underlying factors and deeply complex relationships which have led to this unfortunate situation. My opinion is that both sides failed at resolving this issue through simple words. Negotiating fairly would have saved lives. It now remains to be seen just how many lives will be lost over the ensuing years because world leaders have failed to avoid violence.
