Jordan Schneider’s Interview with Edward Fishman on Sanctions Policy
Jordan Schneider recently had a fascinating discussion with Edward Fishman, an expert on the use of sanctions. Fishman shed light on the evolution of US sanctions policy, particularly highlighting the shift towards imposing secondary sanctions on third parties involved in unauthorized trades with Iran. This approach marked a departure from previous practices, where the US would occasionally impose sanctions without requiring other countries to comply.
Fishman noted a significant moment in the mid-90s when the US hesitated to impose secondary sanctions on Total, a French oil company investing in Iran’s oil sector. He described the use of secondary sanctions as controversial, likening it to “mafia diplomacy” that strained diplomatic relations with other countries. However, Fishman clarified that he is not against sanctions but rather providing insights into the challenges faced in the early 2000s.
One interesting aspect highlighted in the interview was President Obama’s approach to sanctions policy. Fishman suggested that Obama’s emphasis on international law and diplomacy played a crucial role in garnering support for sanctions, especially in the case of Iran. This “lawyerly” demeanor, according to Fishman, helped navigate the complexities of imposing unprecedented secondary sanctions.
Contrasting the diplomatic finesse of the Obama era, the current geopolitical landscape appears more uncertain. The tweet shared by Jordan Schneider alludes to a departure from traditional diplomatic norms, raising questions about the approach taken by the current administration. In a time where language used by top government officials sparks controversy, the need for diplomatic tact and strategic diplomacy is more crucial than ever.
Reflecting on the implications of expanding presidential power and evolving diplomatic tactics, it becomes evident that each administration leaves a lasting impact on foreign policy norms. The normalization of tactics once deemed controversial underscores the fluid nature of international relations. As the boundaries of acceptable diplomacy blur, the need for a coherent and principled foreign policy framework becomes imperative to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape.
