**US Can Use Economic Tools to End Russia’s War**
The US has many tools at its disposal to pressure Russia to end the war in Ukraine. Despite some doubts in Congress, the US can use economic statecraft measures like sanctions and tariffs more aggressively.
Sanctions were a key part of the first Trump administration’s foreign policy strategy. But we don’t know much about how a second-term Trump administration plans to use them. President Donald Trump has warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that new tariffs and sanctions will be imposed if Russia doesn’t stop the war.
**Two Key Levers**
There are two main ways to achieve this goal: disrupting Russia’s energy trade and tightening restrictions on dual-use goods flowing to Russia through third countries. The US could impose more aggressive secondary sanctions, which force countries to choose between doing business with the US or with sanctioned entities.
For example, secondary sanctions were instrumental in bringing Iran to the negotiating table for a major agreement. Similarly, secondary sanctions on Russia have begun to take effect. A second Trump administration could use this tool to pressure unaligned countries – including some current US allies – to align with American objectives.
**India, China, Turkey, and Middle Eastern Nations**
More aggressive threats of cutting off access to the US economy for entities in countries like India, China, Turkey, and Middle Eastern nations could be considered. These countries continue trading with Russia while maintaining ties with the US and its allies. Increasing pressure on these nations to stop their companies from purchasing Russian energy products or facilitating the flow of dual-use items to Russia could be an effective strategy.
**Aggressive Enforcement**
Lessons from previous sanctions campaigns show that aggressive enforcement serves as an additional stick to influence corporate decision-making. At one point, fines for sanctions violations reached upward of $9 billion. Prioritizing cases against well-known violators of Russia sanctions could have a strong deterrent effect on those skirting the rules.
**Ending the War**
The war is a bipartisan priority. Trump has made no secret of his willingness to use US economic statecraft tools to achieve policy objectives. Ending the war is crucial, as Putin responds only to force. A firm stance on economic pressure could accelerate an end to the conflict and reinforce American leadership on the world stage.
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