Doom: The Politics of Catastrophe by Niall Ferguson review
(Evening Standard) – From plagues and volcanic eruptions to the current Covid pandemic, mankind has always been faced with catastrophes.
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Mike Pence: Sanctions Can Help Trump Beat Russia
In the first term, I saw similar threats against Turkey succeed where diplomacy had failed.
President Trump’s Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin could be the first significant breakthrough for peace since Russia launched its brutal, unprovoked invasion more than three years ago. For the first time in many months, there is genuine hope that the bloodshed may end and the people of Ukraine may begin rebuilding their shattered homeland.
But Mr. Putin only understands strength. Diplomacy alone won’t suffice. A peace process must be backed by real leverage, and Mr. Trump and Congress have the opportunity to provide it. The Kremlin is already casting doubt on the long-discussed face-to-face meeting between Mr. Putin and President Volodymyr Zelensky. Russia is also denying reports that it agreed to accept Western security guarantees for Ukraine. Moscow has a record of dragging out negotiations as a cover for continued aggression, and Mr. Putin has mercilessly bombed Ukraine since the Alaska summit. The U.S. can’t allow him to dictate the pace or the terms of diplomacy.
Congress could back Mr. Putin into a corner by immediately passing additional sanctions on Russia and placing them on the president’s desk while negotiations continue. Having sanctions ready for his signature would strengthen Mr. Trump’s hand at the bargaining table. It would send a clear signal to Mr. Putin that if he stalls, cheats or backtracks, Russia’s economy will pay a devastating price.
A strong framework already exists. Sen. Lindsey Graham has introduced a bipartisan sanctions package that would impose steep tariffs on countries fueling Russia’s war machine by buying its oil, gas, uranium and other exports. Eighty-five senators support the bill—a rare display of unity in these divided times. Yet Republican leaders have said they won’t advance it without the president’s blessing. Mr. Trump could strengthen his negotiating position by giving the green light immediately.
The carrot-and-stick approach is a proven strategy in American foreign policy. The carrot is the opportunity for Russia to end its international isolation through a genuine peace agreement negotiated in good faith. The stick is the threat of economic sanctions so crushing that Mr. Putin will think twice before walking away from the table. Together, these actions offer the best chance for a just and lasting peace agreement that secures Ukraine’s sovereignty and deters aggression.
Mr. Trump used this approach effectively during his first term. In October 2019, after he directed U.S. forces to withdraw from the border of northern Syria, Turkey launched a military operation across the border against the Kurdish forces that had helped America defeat ISIS. After Turkey refused to stand down and allow our allies to withdraw safely, Mr. Trump directed me to travel to Ankara to negotiate a cease-fire. Before my meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Mr. Trump gave me a list of economic sanctions that would immediately be imposed on Turkish officials if negotiations failed. At the presidential palace, Mr. Erdogan reiterated to me that a cease-fire wasn’t possible. He reconsidered when I assured him that Mr. Trump was prepared to impose harsh sanctions. In hours, Turkey agreed to a cease-fire, and over the next several days, our Kurdish allies were able to form a convoy to safety. The credible threat of sanctions achieved what diplomacy couldn’t.
This strategy can work again in Ukraine. Today, Ukraine is closer than ever to peace thanks in large part to Mr. Trump’s perseverance. For months, isolationist voices both inside and outside his administration have urged him to wash his hands of Ukraine’s struggle. He refused. By staying engaged, he has demonstrated again that the world is safer when America leads.
Mr. Trump has opened the door to peace in Ukraine through diplomacy. Congress must reinforce his efforts by ensuring the tools of economic pressure are at hand. Passing Mr. Graham’s sanctions bill would show Mr. Putin that America speaks with one voice and that our entire country stands behind the president as he seeks to end this war.
Mr. Pence served as vice president of the United States, 2017-21. He brings a wealth of experience from the highest levels of government, offering audiences firsthand insights into leadership, public service, and the future of American politics. Known for his calm demeanor and principled leadership, Vice President Pence is a compelling speaker for audiences seeking clarity and perspective in today’s complex political landscape. To host Vice President Pence at your next event, contact WWSG.
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