Debates over the effectiveness of sanctions on Russia are all the rage. The problem is that commentators often refer to other countries targeted by Western sanctions, such as Iran, North Korea and Venezuela, as if these cases hold universal lessons that might be applicable to Russia. But the experience of other sanctioned countries is of limited use in analyzing the nature and impact of sanctions on Russia. Slapping penalties on Moscow is not the same as targeting Tehran, Pyongyang or Caracas. Russia is an entirely different beast, and it presents a new and unique test case for Western sanctions.
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