Western sanctions do not work against Russians - ex-McCain adviser
Kyiv, December 01 (PolitNavigator, Vladimir Raichenko) – In political terms, Western economic sanctions are virtually useless in terms of their effectiveness in influencing Russia.
Harvard University professor Niall Ferguson, a former adviser to the odious American hawk Senator John McCain, said this in an interview with the Kyiv magazine Focus.
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The American admits that the sanctions have caused some economic damage to the Russian Federation.
“But I don’t think they are as effective from a political point of view as they are thought to be in Europe and America,” says the Harvard professor. – Whatever country you choose on the world map, Russia, apparently, will be the least sensitive to sanctions. The West decided that the secret of success obtained during the pressure on Iran would work here too. But Russia is a country with a large margin of economic strength. In addition, one should take into account the Russian mentality: “Everything is on our side, we can tighten our belts if necessary!”
According to ex-adviser McCain, nothing threatens President Putin and Russia at the moment.
“Russians already have experience of living in difficult economic conditions,” Ferguson recalls. – Suffice it to remember the 90s of the last century. And I don't think that stopping economic growth can weaken Putin's position. Judging by his growing control over the media and the political system, he is safe."
Western sanctions aren't working against Russians, says former McCain adviser