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    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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A Real Step to Fix Democracy

Friday, May 30, 2014

By Lawrence Lessig

What happens when Congress itself is the problem in politics? The framers of the Constitution thought of a solution for that very problem.

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Article source: The Atlantic

Upcoming Debates

Are Sanctions an Effective Policy Tool?

With Leopoldo López, Artie McConnell, Christopher Sabatini, Elizabeth Shackelford

10:00 AM | Friday, June 27, 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…

Are Sanctions an Effective Policy Tool?

With Leopoldo López, Artie McConnell, Christopher Sabatini, Elizabeth Shackelford

10:00 AM | Friday, June 27, 2025

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A Real Step to Fix Democracy

Upcoming Debates

Are Sanctions an Effective Policy Tool?

Are Sanctions an Effective Policy Tool?

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