ANU Lecture on Future of International Sanctions and Economic Statecraft

On May 12, 2026, a public lecture at ANU discussed the evolving role of sanctions and economic statecraft in international relations. Professor Thomas Biersteker highlighted the shift from US-led economic strategies to a more collaborative approach among middle power democracies like Australia and the EU. The event emphasized the need for lawful and strategic deployment of sanctions amid geopolitical fragmentation. It featured a panel discussion with experts from multiple countries, focusing on effective sanctions diplomacy. The lecture addressed how countries can coordinate their economic power in response to global crises without military intervention. The implications for international relations and governance were central to the discourse, reflecting on past practices and future challenges.

Key Points: • The lecture focused on the changing dynamics of economic statecraft and sanctions. • Experts discussed the shift from US dominance to collaborative strategies among democracies. • The event emphasized lawful and strategic use of sanctions in a fragmented geopolitical landscape.