4 chapters across the catalog
Sergey Lavrov on Economic Sanctions and Chinese Yuan
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discusses how Russia is adapting to Western economic sanctions by diversifying its economy toward Asia and Latin America. He mentions the possibility of Russia issuing debt in Chinese Yuan. Lavrov references the long-standing Jackson-Vanik amendment as evidence that U.S. sanctions are rarely removed even after their original purpose expires.
Senator John McCain attempted to negotiate the repeal of the Jackson-Vanik Act in exchange for the Magnitsky Law. Russia seeks the repeal to facilitate its entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO), but objects to the public listing of Russian officials barred from the U.S.
Russia WTO Accession, PNTR, and Human Rights
Congress debates granting Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) to Russia as it joins the WTO. Senator Max Baucus argues the deal is a "one-way street" benefiting US exporters, while Senator Jon Kyl opposes it on human rights grounds and Russia's failure to protect intellectual property. The hosts mock the use of human rights as a political tool given US incarceration rates.
Jackson-Vanik Amendment and US-Russia Trade Relations
The 1974 Jackson-Vanik amendment, originally passed to pressure the Soviet Union over Jewish emigration, remains a hurdle for US-Russia trade. With Russia set to join the WTO, there is a push to repeal the legislation to allow American companies to compete in the Russian energy market.
