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  - Are Sanctions an…
    
    Open to Debate, in partnership with the Human Rights Foundation and the Oslo Freedom Forum, is examining a strategy employed by many countries to respond to aggressive or authoritarian regimes. In recent years, these have been levied against countries such as Russia, Venezuela, and Iran, which have ranged from freezing assets and trade bans to travel restrictions and full embargoes. But do sanctions work in deterring repression? Those arguing that they’re effective claim that they’re a nonviolent way to force change and serve as a deterrent for other countries. Those who are skeptical about the efficacy of sanctions say they are leaky, don’t lead to regime change, and can harm civilians and exacerbate humanitarian crises. Now with this background, we debate the question: Are Sanctions an Effective Policy Tool? This debate was produced in partnership with the Human Rights Foundation at the Oslo Freedom Forum in Oslo, Norway, on May 26, 2025.
    
    Friday, June 27, 2025
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Steven A. Cook

Douglas Dillon Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations

Steven is an expert on Arab politics and US Middle East policy, Cook directed the Council’s Independent Task Force on reform in the Arab World. He has written widely on Islamist politics and democratic development in the Middle East.

Debates Featuring Steven A. Cook

A Democratically-Elected Hamas is Still a Terrorist Organization

With Daniel Ayalon, Stanley L. Cohen, Steven A. Cook, Mohammad-Mahmoud Ould Mohamedou, John O'Sullivan, Mark Perry

November 29, 2006

In 2006, amidst growing resentment toward the Palestine Liberation Organization, Hamas won political power in a democratic election. The group, named a terrorist organization by both the United States and European Union, retains its charter calling for violence against Israel, yet provides critical social services to its constituents. Is a democratically elected Hamas still a terrorist organization, or should nations around the world recognize Hamas as a legitimate governing body?

A Democratically-Elected Hamas is Still a Terrorist Organization

In 2006, amidst growing resentment toward the Palestine Liberation Organization, Hamas won political power in a democratic election. The group, named a terrorist organization by both the United States and European Union, retains its charter…

With Daniel Ayalon, Stanley L. Cohen, Steven A. Cook, Mohammad-Mahmoud Ould Mohamedou, John O'Sullivan, Mark Perry

November 29, 2006

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