Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

Financial sanctions and other forms of economic coercion have become policy tools of choice for the US government to deter illegal activity by international actors or to pressure governments into reversing actions that harm US interests. Yet these instruments and their potential pitfalls are often misunderstood. Restrictive economic measures such as financial sanctions, export controls, tariffs, and investment screening can play an important role in advancing certain policy objectives, but they risk being ineffective if misapplied or poorly implemented. Policymakers must also recognize the impact of economic statecraft on the private sector, which bears many of the compliance burdens and operational costs associated with these measures.

Energy Sanctions Dashboard

This dashboard focuses on US sanctions and restrictive measures placed on crude oil from Russia, Iran, and Venezuela—including the unintended consequences and the lessons learned.

Econographics

Apr 17, 2025

Russia Sanctions Database

By Kimberly Donovan, Maia Nikoladze, Lize de Kruijf

The Atlantic Council’s Russia Sanctions Database tracks the level of coordination among Western allies in sanctioning Russian entities, individuals, vessels, and aircraft, and shows where gaps still remain.

Eastern Europe Economy & Business

Recent analysis

Foreign Direct Product Rule: Is Russia the next Huawei?

Econographics Sep 16, 2025

The Supreme Court’s decision on Trump tariffs will have lasting impact on US economic statecraft

By Stephanie Connor

Regardless of how the Supreme Court rules, the case will shape US economic policy for years to come.
Economy & Business Trade and tariffs
Foreign Direct Product Rule: Is Russia the next Huawei?

New Atlanticist Mar 28, 2024

The axis of evasion: Behind China’s oil trade with Iran and Russia

By Kimberly Donovan, Maia Nikoladze

Beijing has developed a way to import Iranian and Russian oil while bypassing the Western financial system and shipping services.
China Economy & Business
Foreign Direct Product Rule: Is Russia the next Huawei?

Testimony Feb 21, 2025

Kimberly Donovan testifies to the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission on the Axis of Autocracy

By Kimberly Donovan

On February 20, Economic Statecraft Initiative Director Kimberly Donovan testified to the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission at a hearing titled, “An Axis of Autocracy? China’s Relations with Russia, Iran, and North Korea.”
China Economy & Business

Programs

At the intersection of economics, finance, and foreign policy, the GeoEconomics Center is a translation hub with the goal of helping shape a better global economic future.

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Content

Econographics

Feb 3, 2022

Foreign Direct Product Rule: Is Russia the next Huawei?

By Annie Froehlich

In response to Russia activity in Ukraine the US is considering deploying a Russia-focused Foreign Direct Product Rule (FDPR). If such a rule is implemented, it could cripple Russia's ability to source critical items produced from US-origin technology.

Defense Technologies Economy & Business

In the News

Feb 3, 2022

Ashford in Foreign Policy: Will Germany hobble Western sanctions against Russia?

By Atlantic Council

On February 3, Emma Ashford co-authored an article in Foreign Policy with Rachel Rizzo, Senior Fellow in the Europe Center, on the problems for European energy sanctions related to the Ukraine crisis.  “The core issue, however, is less one of German intransigence but rather that there are limited options on the table for sanctions in the event […]

Crisis Management Eastern Europe

In the News

Feb 3, 2022

Pearkes quoted in the New York Times on Russia’s economic preparations in anticipation of sanctions

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

In the News

Feb 2, 2022

Slavin quoted in L’Oreient Le Jour on significance of US-Iran nuclear talks

By Atlantic Council

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion French

Econographics

Jan 31, 2022

Ukraine and Dollar Weaponization

By George Pearkes

America has responded to Russian aggression with an unconventional weapon: the dollar.

Economy & Business Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

UkraineAlert

Jan 30, 2022

Ukraine Crisis: Western sanctions must target Putin’s propagandists

By Yevhen Fedchenko

As Putin threatens a new invasion of Ukraine, Russia’s disinformation apparatus is playing a central role in the march to war. The international community must recognize this role and react accordingly.

Conflict Disinformation

UkraineAlert

Jan 30, 2022

Ukraine Crisis: Will Putin deploy his energy weapons against Europe?

By Aura Sabadus

In recent months, Russia has frequently been accused of using energy supplies as a geopolitical weapon. With international tensions now rising, such tactics may soon become more prominent.

Conflict European Union

In the News

Jan 28, 2022

O’Toole and Fried quoted in the Wall Street Journal on the Biden Administration’s latest sanctions plans.

Read the full article here.

China Economy & Business

UkraineAlert

Jan 27, 2022

The US must show leadership in countering Putin’s imperial ambitions

By Eugene Czolij

The United States needs to assume a strong leadership position in international efforts to counter Putin’s imperial ambitions. Putin has made clear what he wants. It is time for America to deliver an equally emphatic response.

Conflict Cybersecurity

New Atlanticist

Jan 22, 2022

Experts react: Six options for Europe as it searches for a response to Russian aggression

By Atlantic Council experts

How can Europe hang together and maximize its impact? Our experts weigh in as the crisis over Ukraine heats up.

Conflict Crisis Management
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Experts

Staff

Nitansha Bansal

Associate Director

Cyber Statecraft Initiative

Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity

Fellow

Ryan Berger

Nonresident Fellow

Global China Hub

Americas Cybersecurity

Fellow

Chris Brummer

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoEconomics Center

Digital Currencies Economy & Business

Fellow

Michael Carpenter

Distinguished Fellow

Eurasia Center Europe Center

Eastern Europe National Security

Fellow

Hagar Hajjar Chemali

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Economy & Business Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

Fellow

Claire Chu

Nonresident Fellow

Global China Hub

China Chinese
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