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What another round of economic sanctions could entail

Apr 5, 2022
The Biden administration is considering secondary sanctions on Russia – and its supporters.
A man removes trash near the remains of a destroyed Russian armored personnel carrier in Borodianka, northwest of Kyiv, on Monday.
Sergei Supinsky/AFP via Getty Images

How China could cushion the effects of sanctions on Russia

Mar 18, 2022
China has experience serving as a sort of middleman for sanctioned nations like North Korea and Iran, one expert says.
Several Russian banks have been excluded from SWIFT, the international financial messaging system. But Russia and China have their own versions of SWIFT. Above, Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Alexei Druzhinin/Sputnik/AFP Getty Images

How will sanctions affect ordinary Russians? Iranians can provide some insight.

Mar 17, 2022
Until the recent moves against Russia, Iran faced more sanctions than any country.
When it comes to the effects of international sanctions, everyday Iranians are experts.
Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images

China walks a trade tightrope between Russia and the West

Mar 17, 2022
The Chinese government is opposed to sanctions against Russia and says it will continue to trade with it. But that is not easy in practice.
Though China relies on Russian oil, voluntary sanctions by Western companies could make it harder for China to get it. Above, a worker stands on pipes at an offshore oil in China's eastern Shandong province.
STR/AFP via Getty Images

Russia wakes up to big technological weaknesses

Mar 15, 2022
Russia's economy relies on imported tech, like aircraft parts and semiconductors. That leaves it vulnerable as sanctions multiply.
The Biden administration has big goals when it comes to implementing the CHIPS Act. But the plan isn't without its hurdles.
Josep Lago/AFP via Getty Images

The sociology of sanctioning Russian oligarchs

Mar 11, 2022
Sanctions represent an existential threat for Russia's elite, says sociologist Brooke Harrington.
The Eclipse, one of the yachts of Russian billionaire Roman Abramovitch, pictured in 2013, is reportedly worth $570 million.
Valery Hache/AFP via Getty Images

Who are the Russian oligarchs being sanctioned, and how did they get so rich?

Mar 10, 2022
Their fates and fortunes are tied closely to Vladimir Putin's.
After Vladimir Putin became president, he helped fund the wealth of Russian oligarchs with state money. In return, oligarchs provided him money and loyalty.
Mikhail Klimentyev/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Amid wave of sanctions, Russia's energy sector is getting off pretty light so far

Feb 28, 2022
Oil and gas are key to the Russian economy, yet penalties are focused elsewhere. Could that stance change?
The construction site of a Russian platform that will hold liquified natural gas.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

How sanctions could make life harder for Russian citizens

Feb 28, 2022
Long lines at ATMs. A significant drop in the ruble's value. Economic sanctions are already being felt by everyday Russians.
The ruble has lost about 25% of its value since Friday. Above, people walk past a currency exchange office in Moscow.
Alexander Nemenov/AFP via Getty Images

Germany turns tough toward Russia over Ukraine invasion

Feb 28, 2022
Germany dropped its opposition to some tough new sanctions against Russia and is now stepping up spending on defense.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, seen above, announced 
a sharp increase in military spending on Sunday.
Clemens Bilan/Getty Images