What are ‘targeted human rights sanctions,’ and why are they used for Iran?

New Atlanticist Mar 18, 2025

The Gaza cease-fire is over. What’s next from Israel, Hamas, and the US?

By Atlantic Council experts

In the early hours of March 18, Israel launched air strikes on Gaza, ending the two-month cease-fire. Atlantic Council experts answer pressing questions about the resumed conflict.
Conflict Israel
What are ‘targeted human rights sanctions,’ and why are they used for Iran?

New Atlanticist Mar 17, 2025

Enough carrots for Putin. For better negotiations, serve ‘maximum pressure’ instead.

By Benjamin L. Schmitt, Richard L. Morningstar, and Daniel Fried

Since Russia appears content for negotiations to move slowly, the Trump administration should turn up the pressure with new sanctions.
Conflict Economic Sanctions
What are ‘targeted human rights sanctions,’ and why are they used for Iran?

Issue Brief Mar 13, 2025

Present without impact? How the Middle East perceives China’s diplomatic engagement

By Jonathan Fulton

Despite economic advancements and high-profile diplomatic engagements, China’s influence remains largely economic rather than political, Jonathan Fulton argues.
China Economy & Business

Content

IranSource

Aug 18, 2023

What are ‘targeted human rights sanctions,’ and why are they used for Iran?

By Celeste Kmiotek, Lisandra Novo

Reports announcing targeted sanctions designations often fail to mention what they are, how they work, and whether they are effective.

Economic Sanctions Iran

In the News

Aug 18, 2023

Husain mentioned in Jewish Insider on the potential of the Abraham Accords and the role of the United States

By Atlantic Council

International Norms Middle East

MENASource

Aug 17, 2023

The path to transforming Iraqi Kurdistan’s economic diversity and potential

By Honar Issa

The self-sufficiency and sustainability of a government are contingent on a strong economy, and this is the path the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has taken.

Economy & Business Iraq

UkraineAlert

Aug 17, 2023

Ukraine’s state authorities must follow private sector in unlearning old habits

By Roman Waschuk

To achieve individual, business, and national goals of renewal, Ukrainians need their government to be just as nimble and adaptive as the country’s private sector, writes Ukraine's Business Ombudsman Roman Waschuk.

Conflict Corruption

IranSource

Aug 17, 2023

The Levinson Act means all Americans must return home—not just citizens

By Celeste Kmiotek

Shahab Dalili, Afshin Sheikholeslami Vatani, and Jamshid Sharmahd are all considered US nationals under the Levinson Act.

Human Rights Iran

UkraineAlert

Aug 17, 2023

Putin must not be allowed to turn the Black Sea into a Russian lake

By Melinda Haring

Western countries must take urgent action to prevent Vladimir Putin from turning the Black Sea into a Russian lake, warns Melinda Haring.

Conflict European Union

In the News

Aug 16, 2023

Cynkin interviewed by VOA ahead of Trilateral Leaders’ Summit at Camp David

On August 15, IPSI Nonresident Senior Fellow Thomas Cynkin was interviewed by VOA Korea ahead of the Camp David Trilateral Summit on August 18. Cynkin explains, “So it’s possible that there’ll be a successor in any of these capitals that could have less affinity for the idea of this trilateral cooperation. I think therefore it’s doubly […]

Indo-Pacific Japan

New Atlanticist

Aug 16, 2023

Indian Ocean partnerships are key to countering China’s maritime ambitions

By Delharty Manson and Nicholas Nuñez

The United States must strengthen its ties to Indian Ocean nations to counter China's maritime presence in the Indo-Pacific.

China India

IranSource

Aug 15, 2023

Women in Iran fight to break Islamic Republic ‘cage’

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

“I will not return to that cage. I will not bow before bondage.”

Civil Society Human Rights

New Atlanticist

Aug 15, 2023

Showing up is half the battle, and the United States is doing so in the Pacific Islands

By Parker Novak

USAID Administrator Power’s visit to Papua New Guinea and Fiji highlights the importance of high-level diplomacy and soft power in the strategically located region.

East Asia Economy & Business
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Experts

Staff

Emily E. Kim

Project Assistant

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Korea Security & Defense

European Leadership Accelerator Participant

Anna Ascani

Vice President of the Chamber, Italy Chamber of Deputies

Millennium Leadership Program

Central Europe Education

Fellow

Elizabeth Shortino

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoEconomics Center

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

Fellow

Achilles Tsirgis

Visiting Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center

Economy & Business European Union

European Leadership Accelerator Participant

Antti Rauhala

Programme Officer, International Energy Agency (IEA)

Millennium Leadership Program

Central Europe Eastern Europe

Staff

Kate Springs

Program Assistant, Strategic Litigation Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Human Rights International Norms
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Events

Online Event Tue, May 6, 2025 • 10:00 am ET

What to expect from Germany’s next government
Elections Europe & Eurasia European Union Germany
Public Event Wed, May 7, 2025 • 10:00 am ET

Taking stock: Bilateral ties after 100 days of the Trump administration
Economy & Business International Markets Latin America Mexico
Online Event Fri, May 16, 2025 • 10:00 am ET

Lucian Kim on “Putin’s Revenge” and Russia’s war on Ukraine
Europe & Eurasia Human Rights Politics & Diplomacy Ukraine