Sanctions Against Allies and Partners: Limits of Application and Significance for Russia. Discussion

On February 24, the Valdai Discussion Club hosted an expert discussion titled “Sanctions Against Allies and Partners: Limits of Application and Significance for Russia.” A defining feature of Donald Trump’s foreign policy is raising tariffs on allies, partners, and adversaries alike. In his April 2, 2025, executive order, Trump declared the goal of rebalancing the US trade balance and eliminating its deficit. However, tariffs are increasingly being used as a political tool—effectively functioning as economic sanctions. What stands out is that these measures are now directed not so much at the United States’ geopolitical rivals, but at its traditional allies and partners. One illustrative case is Washington’s pressure on New Delhi to reduce its purchases of Russian oil. While the Indian government has so far maintained its energy ties with Moscow, any future concessions could be framed by the US as a diplomatic victory—potentially setting a precedent for similar pressure on other nations. What do these developments suggest about the evolving nature of global economic statecraft? Where are the limits of sanctions pressure exerted by the US and its allies on third countries? And how is the balance struck between sanctions and so-called “secondary tariffs”? Speakers: Ekaterina Arapova, Director, Senior Researcher at the Center for Sanctions Policy Expertise at the Institute of International Studies, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of International Relations at MGIMO University...