Beyond the State Sponsors List: Finding the Right Tools to Counter Russia

"Writing in the New York Times, Sen. Cory Gardner recently announced he is planning to introduce legislation that would require the State Department to determine whether the Russian Federation meets the criteria to be added to the list.

Whatever becomes of this legislation, the legal rationale for designating Russia is questionable, at best. But the policy impetus is clear. Gardner states he is pushing for designation in order to “take every diplomatic step necessary to protect our allies and our democracy, and to deter a revanchist Russia that is intent on rewriting history and threatening our way of life.” In other words, the senator has identified an instrument of statecraft that could be used to punish Russia for all manner of sins, and he is looking to use it even if not for its intended purpose. This is a bad idea."