Alejandro Domínguez y Santiago Bravo
In a lecture on international economics, Professor Don Artem Urlapov analyzed the historical development of economic sanctions and their current application, highlighting the case of Russia and the war in Ukraine as a key example. Professor Don Artem Urlapov explained how modern economic sanctions developed through history and how they are used today, especially in the case of Russia and the war in Ukraine. The topic was complex, but the main idea was to understand sanctions as political and economic tools that countries use instead of direct military action.
At the beginning, the professor talked about the motivation for studying sanctions. He said that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has no clear justification and that Western countries have responded with many economic restrictions. He mentioned the book The Economic Weapon as an important influence and explained that sanctions can be seen as a type of economic warfare. He also referred to different experts and institutions, such as the European Union, the United States, and the G7, which have imposed sanctions on Russia over the years. Next, Urlapov defined what sanctions are and described their different types. He explained that sanctions are not new and that they have existed since ancient times, but the modern concept started with U.S. President Woodrow Wilson. Wilson believed sanctions could pressure countries and promote peace and democracy without going to war. The professor distinguished between negative sanctions, like blockades, embargoes, and financial restrictions, and positive sanctions, such as economic aid or trade benefits that encourage cooperation.
The lecture also covered the historical development of sanctions. During the World Wars, countries created special institutions to organize blockades and manage economic data. Later, sanctions became part of international organizations like the League of Nations. However, their success often depended on cooperation between countries, which was not always easy.
Finally, the professor discussed the limitations of sanctions. He said they do not always work, can hurt civilians more than governments, and may push countries to become more independent or find new allies. Russia is an example of this, since it has strengthened relations with BRICS countries despite heavy sanctions.
In conclusion, Urlapov argued that sanctions are useful but imperfect tools, and their effectiveness depends on each specific situation.