Tuesday 9 September 2014

Russia won’t get far using the China card | GulfNews.com

Russia won’t get far using the China card | GulfNews.com:



"Many critics argue that the sanctions imposed on Russia for its actions in Ukraine are ineffective, because they are too limited in scale and scope. Moreover, sanctions are seen as allowing President Vladimir Putin to blame the West for Russia’s internal problems. Indeed, some of Putin’s supporters within Russia welcome the sanctions as a means to compel Russian autarky — and thus strategic independence from the West.



These arguments are wrong. Though the sanctions are not backed by China, they are already having a powerful effect, and the expectation that they will be tightened further is a huge concern for investors and the Russian government.



Full autarky, meanwhile, would imply a dramatic decline in Russian living standards — the foundation of Putin’s domestic support."



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