Book Review: “Punishing Putin” By Stephanie Baker
Punishing Putin, by Stephanie Baker, published in September 2024, offers a timely and in-depth examination of the international efforts to hold Russia accountable for its invasion of Ukraine. This isn’t simply a historical recounting of sanctions and diplomatic maneuvers; Baker delves into the complexities, contradictions, and often unintended consequences of the strategies employed by Western nations and their allies.
A key theme explored throughout the book is the unprecedented scale and coordination of the sanctions regime imposed on Russia. Baker meticulously details the various measures taken, from freezing central bank assets and targeting oligarchs to implementing export controls and severing financial ties. She doesn’t shy away from highlighting the initial shock and disruption these measures caused to the Russian economy, but also analyzes the resilience and adaptation strategies employed by Russia to mitigate their impact.
Another crucial theme is the delicate balancing act between punishing Putin and avoiding global economic fallout. Baker argues that the interconnectedness of the world economy made it impossible to isolate Russia completely without inflicting pain on other nations, particularly in areas like energy and food security. She explores the debates and disagreements among world leaders regarding the scope and intensity of sanctions, highlighting the tensions between those advocating for maximum pressure and those prioritizing economic stability.
The book also addresses the limitations of sanctions as a tool of foreign policy. Baker acknowledges that while sanctions have undoubtedly inflicted economic damage on Russia, they haven’t achieved their primary objective of forcing a complete withdrawal from Ukraine. She explores the reasons for this, including Russia’s ability to find alternative markets and partners, the difficulty of enforcing sanctions effectively, and the unintended consequences of driving Russia closer to China.
“Punishing Putin” doesn’t offer easy answers or simplistic solutions. Instead, it provides a nuanced and comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted efforts to respond to Russia’s aggression. The book convincingly argues that economic warfare has become a crucial component of modern conflict. Baker’s work is a valuable contribution to understanding the complexities of contemporary international relations and the challenges of holding powerful nations accountable in a globalized world. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its broader implications for the world order. I have added it to my library.
Originally published at http://frankdiana.net on January 10, 2025.
