Over the past four years, the Biden administration has outlined a new approach to foreign policy that puts the US back on the world stage as a leader for democracy, human rights, and a strong economy. In this policy, the administration has put restrictions on countries such as Russia, Iran, and North Korea who are seen as a danger to US interests.
In recent weeks, President Biden has announced additional sanctions on Russia due to the country’s continued attempts to hack US election systems and interfere with other foreign relations. These sanctions are seen by some as the Biden administration’s strongest response yet to Russian aggression and demonstrate its commitment to upholding international standards.
The Sanctions
On March 2nd, 2021, the Biden administration imposed sanctions on numerous Russian entities, individuals, and companies. This is the latest move in economic sanctions against Russia that began during the Obama administration and has been continued by the current administration.
The sanctions target a wide range of Russian entities, including two research institutes and six businesses linked to the FSB, the successor to the KGB. The move is seen as a warning to Russian president Vladimir Putin and a signal that the US will not tolerate malicious activity against US interests.
The sanctions also target several individuals who are alleged to be behind the 2016 cyber attack on the Democratic National Committee, as well as various corporations suspected of engaging in money laundering and fraud.
The impacts of the sanctions
The sanctions impose restrictions on those entities, individuals, and institutions and will have both immediate and long-term impacts.
The most immediate impacts of the sanctions are economic. Sanctions tend to limit Russia’s access to certain resources or markets and can limit their ability to work with certain countries or organizations. In the long term, these sanctions can have a destabilizing effect on the Russian economy, as well as weaken the Russian government’s power and influence.
In addition to the economic impacts, the sanctions are also seen as a diplomatic move. By warning Russia against repeated aggression, the US is sending a message to other countries around the globe that it will not tolerate similar behavior. This can help create a safer and more secure global environment and make a strong statement about US foreign policy.
Bipartisan Support
The Biden administration’s sanctions against Russia have broad, bipartisan support in the US Congress. While there has been some disagreement over how to approach other areas of US and Russia relations, there is consensus among both Republicans and Democrats that sanctions are an important and effective tool for sending a strong message to the Kremlin.
In a joint statement released in February 2021, over 150 congressional Democrats and Republicans declared their support for the sanctions, stating that it is critical that the US stand up against Russian aggression and interference and protect American interests.
The Biden administration’s new sanctions against Russia demonstrate their commitment to a foreign policy approach that is focused on protecting and promoting democracy, human rights, and economic freedom. By imposing these sanctions, the US is sending a clear message that they will not tolerate any interference in US interests or malicious activity from Russia and will use economic pressure in conjunction with diplomatic action to ensure a safe and secure environment.
This strong stance is supported by a bipartisan consensus in Congress that backs the sanctions and shows that the US is willing to put their own interests first when it comes to international relations. As the Biden administration continues to take further steps to confront and combat Russian aggression, these sanctions will serve as an important tool for them to do so.
