The Autocrat Putin

For the US, the question is not just whether sanctions are effective, but if they are backfiring. Sanctions might weaken economies, but they help autocratic regimes exploit public sentiment in order to stay in power.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has over the past two decades built up a system of domestic repression and confrontation with the West, was on course for fifth term in office Sunday.

For the US, the question is not just whether sanctions are effective, but if they are backfiring. Sanctions might weaken economies, but they help autocratic regimes exploit public sentiment in order to stay in power.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has over the past two decades built up a system of domestic repression and confrontation with the West, was on course for fifth term in office Sunday.