Assignment task:
In depth respond to the below post. Include two apa sources and one bible verse. Make 2 questions for each response to help them develop their research more
My literature review overview concerns secondary sanctions in economic warfare and their impact on FDI and trade strategies of global economic powerhouses, including China and the European Union, in the Middle East. The following critical research question guides my overview: "How do secondary sanctions on Iranian-aligned militias influence FDI and trade strategies of global economic players like China and the European Union in the Middle East?"
Findings from the Research
The research revealed that secondary sanctions extend economic pressure beyond the direct targets, forcing neutral and allied countries to realign their economic and geopolitical strategies. For instance, European firms faced significant challenges due to U.S. secondary sanctions after the withdrawal from the Joint Coalition Plan of Action (JCPOA), which is also known as the "Iran Nuclear Deal", prompting a reevaluation of their business relationships with Iran despite the European Union's commitment to the agreement (Andriasik, 2023). This demonstrates the far-reaching influence of secondary sanctions on global trade. Additionally, the research highlighted the adaptability of Iranian-aligned militias in response to sanctions. These groups, such as the Houthis, have continued their activities by leveraging illicit trade networks and local taxation, mitigating the intended impact of sanctions (Thompson & Watling, 2022). This points to a critical limitation in the effectiveness of secondary sanctions, mainly when dealing with non-state actors entrenched in local conflicts.
Another critical insight was the variation in responses between global powers. China has maintained its economic ties with Iran through innovative strategies like barter agreements and non-dollar transactions, allowing continued progress on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) (Cheung, 2023). In contrast, the European Union has faced more significant difficulties due to its reliance on U.S.-dominated financial systems, reducing economic engagement with Iran (Terry, 2022). These findings illustrate how secondary sanctions influence global trade dynamics and shape the strategic maneuvers of major economic players.
Connecting Research to Dissertation Topics
These findings suggest several potential dissertation topics. One topic could explore the long-term effectiveness of secondary sanctions in achieving geopolitical objectives, especially in regions with resilient non-state actors. Another possible focus could be examining the strategies employed by global powers to navigate secondary sanctions while pursuing economic interests and how these strategies affect the broader geopolitical landscape.