As the ninth package of sanctions against Russia has now been adopted, I had to make a post about this tool which is now so much talked about in international security.
Sanctions have been the main focus during my academic studies, especially sanctions against Russia. I am deeply fascinated by this topic because it has so many facets: studying it, I realized that the impact of this type of policy spans from energy policy to budget, and includes tech policy.
It is not a coincidence that, after my graduation, I decided to research energy security at the International Team for the Study of Security and then to work at the European Commission in the Directorate-General for Budget. Both these policy fields are highly affected by sanctions. Exactly for this, I wanted to gain knowledge in these areas, as I think that we need to be aware of the consequences of this tool to apply it effectively.
I was able to give an answer to the question of how sanctions can be effective in my research, published by the Hertie School in 2020, which I would suggest you check out on this website to see the model I developed in my master's thesis (in the "Research" section).
In particular, I would strongly advise you to view on page 14 the model I designed to understand how to make sanctions effective.
Lastly, I would encourage you to see the interviews with economist Vicky Pryce and Dr. Pozo-Martin (linked in the resources below) on energy security in Europe and Nord Stream 2, as they were shot before the current energy crisis - in Winter 2021.
Webinar with Vicky Pryce on post-Brexit energy security in Europe, February 2021
Recently, instead, I started developing a strong interest in a more niche topic: cyber sanctions. This interest derives from my willingness to mix sanctions with my passion for tech. As I learned more about cyber sanctions and had the honour to deliver a speech on the topic at the Young Leaders' Forum in Budapest last year, I realized that is incredibly underrated, though very crucial. Indeed, only a few states have so far adopted cyber sanctions, while the EU has imposed them for the first time only in 2020.
In this blog, I have advocated already for stricter digital regulation when it comes to cyberbullying (see post "The future is in schools"), which, to me, goes hand in hand with education in schools on this matter.
Similarly, I think that cyber sanctions are needed strongly right now in a global order which has been revolutionized not only by the rise of the BRICS but also by the advent of the technological revolution. Nonetheless, what is pivotal to keep in mind is that such measures, sanctions, and cyber sanctions, shall not be overused.
Over-imposing sanctions is not only a reflection of the ineffectiveness of the measures but also carries a greater risk when it comes to the impact (whether in the field of budgetary or energy policy) for the part that is imposing it.
What really needs to be done, together with an effective sanctions scheme, is reinforcing international dialogue by investing in diplomatic negotiations. These two actions go hand in hand in order to bring peace, like education in school goes hand in hand with anti-cyberbullying laws to fight hate speech online.
Love,
Elena
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