Role of International Sanctions and the Crisis in Ukraine (10/26/15)

Sanctions have been employed in order to persuade Russia both to halt its activities in Ukraine and to prompt a political settlement of the issues that led to the crisis that began in 2013. However, reports continue to emerge that Russia is arming and supporting insurgents in Ukraine while the process toward a political resolution has come to a halt. This episode looks at the role of sanctions, including whether they can contribute to a solution to the crisis in Ukraine. Should they be expanded? What, if any, have been their unintended consequences? And under what circumstances should they be relieved?