The Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs publishes policy-focused reports, white papers and proceedings addressing a variety of subjects that reflect contemporary global issues and the outstanding research and scholarship of our faculty. Some of these are produced in cooperation with other organizations that the school partners with.
Economic sanctions have been used by the United States for more than 100 years to further its foreign policy and national security goals. But the effectiveness of such sanctions has long been debated, with some contending that sanctions lack the power to modulate political realities while others argue for intensifying sanctions.
These issues are examined in a revealing, new white paper, “An Inadequate Solution: Effectiveness of Economics Sanctions as an Instrument of Foreign Policy,” published by the FIU Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs in collaboration with the George W. Bush Institute.
The white paper presents case studies on three separate countries – Iran, Russia, and Venezuela – to examine the effectiveness of sanctions as they relate to the political and economic spheres. It elaborates on the history of U.S. sanctions, how they operate in foreign policy, and factors that challenge the success of sanctions. This paper also provides recommendations on how to tailor sanctions as a more productive policy instrument for the U.S. It was written by Albert Torres, Program Manager, Global Policy, at the George W. Bush Institute.
The paper is based on the proceedings of a panel discussion sponsored by the Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs on October 20, 2023. The panel included Carrie Filipetti, Executive Director, Vandenberg Coalition; Eduardo Gamarra, Professor, FIU Department of Politics and International Relations; David J. Kramer, Executive Director, George W. Bush Institute; Eric Lob, Associate Professor, FIU Department of Politics and International Relations; and Albert Torres, Program Manager, Global Policy, George W. Bush Institute.
About The Green School:
The Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs at FIU educates the leaders and changemakers of tomorrow through innovative teaching and research that advances global understanding, contributes to policy solutions and promotes international dialogue. One of the leading schools of its kind in the world, the Green School is a full member of the prestigious Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA), one of only 26 in the U.S. and only 40 in the world. The Green School is the only APSIA member school in Florida. The school, which offers programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels, encompasses eight departments that bridge the social sciences and humanities, and is home to some of the university’s most prominent international centers, institutes and programs.
About the George W. Bush Institute:
The George W. Bush Institute is a solution-oriented nonpartisan policy organization focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies. Housed within the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the Bush Institute is rooted in compassionate conservative values and committed to creating positive, meaningful, and lasting change at home and abroad. We utilize our unique platform and convening power to advance solutions to national and global issues of the day. Learn more at bushcenter.org.
