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 changeand serve as a deterrent for other countries. Those who are skeptical aboutthe 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.
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…
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…
Live NYC Debate Is the love of your life… ChatGPT? People who have either found dating in our world more challenging or are feeling lonelier than ever are turning to AI chatbots to fill the void and find romance and companionship. To them, it is a new opportunity to experience those feelings without judgment or encountering rejection. As romantic love increasingly straddles the digital and physical realms, could AI companionship rival, or even surpass, traditional human connection? Some in favor…
Live NYC Debate Is the love of your life… ChatGPT? People who have either found dating in our world more challenging or are feeling lonelier than ever are turning to AI chatbots to fill the…