How harsher sanctions could help Putin turn Russia back into the Soviet Union

From South Africa to Iraq, sanctions do not always work as intended

The downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 has caused attention to shift once again to the prospect of even harsher penalties being imposed upon Russia by Western countries. Up to this point, sanctions have been limited to individuals within or close to Russia's ruling elite, as well as a few associated companies. While these sanctions may weaken support within Russia's elite for the current course of foreign policy, the effect on economic activity in Russia has been relatively muted.

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