Agathe Demarais is the Global Forecasting Director of The Economist Intelligence Unit. Agathe has a special focus on trade, sanctions, European affairs, Russia and the Middle East. As The EIU's Global Forecasting Director, Agathe oversees the publication of The EIU global outlook. Prior to joining The EIU, Agathe worked in the diplomatic corps of the French Treasury. She spent five years in Russia and three years in the Middle East, where she developed her knowledge of sanctions and policymaking. Agathe is the author of the new book 'Backfire: How Sanctions Reshape the World Against U.S. Interests'. This week's podcast covers:

• How sanctions impact local populations
• US extra-territorial power and impact on multi-nationals
• US dollar as weapon