Reality Check Series

Content

Reality Check

Mar 5, 2021

Reality Check #4: Focus on interests, not on human rights with Russia

By Emma Ashford, Mathew Burrows

The Biden administration should seek to build a less aspirational policy toward Russia, minimize the use of sanctions, and look for incentives that might induce Moscow to take steps in line with US interests.

Politics & Diplomacy Russia

Reality Check

Mar 1, 2021

Reality Check #3: The uses and abuses of deterrence

By Erica Borghard

Policymakers tend to describe as “deterrence” actions or situations that are, in fact, coercive. Confusing these terms leads to muddled strategy and poor communication.

Politics & Diplomacy
Port de Barcelona at night

Reality Check

Feb 22, 2021

Reality Check #2: Economic sanctions should not always be the go-to foreign policy tool

By Erica Borghard

US policymakers should focus on whether sanctions are likely to produce the desired effect, rather than serving as simply a tool to signal displeasure.

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Politics & Diplomacy

Reality Check

Feb 18, 2021

Reality Check #1: Build cooperation cycles, not security spirals

By Emma Ashford

Confidence building measures could help to prevent escalation and create a virtuous cycle of cooperation and reciprocity.

Politics & Diplomacy Security & Defense