Sanctions

Analysis of global sanctions regimes, enforcement trends, and their implications for operators across MENA and emerging markets.

Indirect warfare, chokepoint hegemony and China’s energy dilemma

With global energy demand rising and limitations in supply infrastructure becoming more apparent, China has been looking to reinforce itself in case of future crises, especially with the U.S.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 23 Apr 2026

Indirect warfare, chokepoint hegemony and China’s energy dilemma

The dangerous vindication of pro-sanction voices

Widely believed to be an ineffective form of diplomatic pressure, the long-standing sanctions regimes of the past two decades have begun to show results.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 26 Jan 2026

The dangerous vindication of pro-sanction voices

Iran’s gamble of subsidy reform during protests

Iran is attempting to reform its subsidy regime in the middle of its most combustible protest cycle in years.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 12 Jan 2026

Iran’s gamble of subsidy reform during protests

The strategic sectors Russia won’t surrender

Despite intense Western sanctions, Russia has been able to maintain both arms and nuclear energy exports in an effort to sustain its economy.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 12 Dec 2025

The strategic sectors Russia won’t surrender

Crude choices: India's sanction dilemma

New Delhi must carefully balance its partnership with the U.S. against its desire for cheap Russian oil.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 19 Nov 2025

Sanctions snapback and Iran's strategic eastward turn

The reimposition of United Nations sanctions as well as EU restrictive measures was expected by the Iranian leadership, notably since the 12-day-war demonstrated Western desires to confront the Islamic Republic. However, expectation doesn’t translate into preparedness.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 15 Oct 2025