In a recent TedXtalk, trade sanctions attorney Robert Ward discussed the need for targeted sanctions rather than a shotgun approach, with no aiming in place. The administration’s shotgun approach has roiled financial markets and sown distrust with foes and allies of the United States alike.
The recent set of trade sanctions by the US against Turkey are a case in point. Ostensively over the alleged wrongful detention of a U.S. pastor, the sanctions are now being used in a manner which is actually worse for the U.S. consumer as it is driving up the prices on the goods and services sanctioned. Further the sanctions are destabilizing markets in places far beyond the targeted country of Turkey. While it can only be hoped U.S. trade sanctions would be, as noted by Robert Ward, focused with a clear goal in mind and in conjunction with U.S. political and trade interests, that does not appear to be the case.
