February 12, 2018

Beyond sanctions: On Russia policy, Congress should focus on new tools

The Trump administration shocked observers by not imposing new Russia-related sanctions by a January 29 deadline. This decision came on the same day when CIA Director Mike Pompeo said Russia would interfere in the 2018 midterms and a Russian jet unsafely intercepted a U.S. plane in international airspace.

The attention to the sanctions milestone shows Washington's over-emphasis on sanctions in Russia policy. Sanctions are a start, but policymakers in Congress should focus their attention on creating new measures to counter Moscow.

Since its signing into law last summer, the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) has dictated the pace of the major U.S. announcements about Russia policy. To the satisfaction of many legislators, it has become the centerpiece of U.S. policy toward Russia.

Read the full article in The Hill. 

  • Podcast
    • May 1, 2025
    Trump's First 100 Days in Trade Policy

    Emily and Geoff look back on the first 100 days of Trump’s trade policy, with a focus on how different parts of the U.S. political and economic system are reacting. They get i...

    By Emily Kilcrease & Geoffrey Gertz

  • Video
    • April 24, 2025
    Red Lines and Supply Chains: Trump’s Approach to Trade and Security

    The Trump administration is increasingly linking trade policy to national security. Join Emily Kilcrease, senior fellow and director of the Energy, Economics, and Security Pro...

    By Emily Kilcrease

  • Video
    • April 23, 2025
    Ziemba: Struck By Energy Deal Between India & Saudi Arabia

    Saudi Arabia and India have agreed to deepen energy ties and cooperate more closely on tourism and technology as the countries seek to strengthen relations at a time of turbul...

    By Rachel Ziemba

  • Podcast
    • April 23, 2025
    What is President Trump’s Economic Plan?

    Global financial markets plunged as investors braced themselves for a shock to the flow of international trade. Faced with prolonged market turmoil, within days the US Preside...

    By Emily Kilcrease

View All Reports View All Articles & Multimedia