Excellent article, Hossein. The employment of sanctions deserves the same scrutiny as troops on the ground. Even more, because the damage they produce is not seen or correlated.

We need sanctions to be giant white balloons floating over America with SANCTIONS written on them. Their destruction would be popular.

The overwhelming argument against sanctions is that they DON'T WORK. Apart from all the destruction and distortion in the sanctioned nation, there is a measurable price for the imposing country in lost prosperity and security, which, unfortunately, is mostly unrecognized.

Russia. What have the sanctions done? Putin has not tailored back his aggression, and Russians have become more nationalistic (my guess). The answers struggle, and typically variations on "the result are yet to come." By this time, the war should be over, and sanctions become an added complication to Russian post-war normalization (which is essential).

How do we communicate the crude, destructive hatchet of sanctions?

Excellent leadership would make a difference.

There are parallels in communicating the value of trade, not only for prosperity but also safety. Unfortunately, our current President is indifferent, misunderstanding, or miscalculating (possibly all three).

Sanctions? It's giant balloon time.

Many thanks, and best to you always.