Why are we still pretending sanctions actually work? Time for a different tack.

When did we decide that crippling a nation's economy with sanctions was somehow a more effective tool than, say, talking to them? It feels like we’ve been doing this for decades with predictably dismal results, only now with added complexity thanks to global finance. We sanction Russia, they find other markets. We sanction Iran, they develop their nuclear program anyway. It’s like trying to treat a persistent cough with leeches.

My proposal is simple, though admittedly less dramatic: a renewed focus on direct, high-level diplomatic engagement. We need dedicated envoys, not just ambassadors, whose sole job is to build relationships and find common ground, even with adversaries. Think less about punishing and more about persuading. This would involve setting up permanent, discreet channels for dialogue on key issues, from arms control to climate change, even when relations are frosty.