5.3a How and in what circumstances can sanctions help or harm foreign policy goals and how can their effectiveness be measured?

Background

Threats to UK and international security take multiple forms, from the changing nature of warfare; role of illicit flows; patterns of organised crime and terrorism as transnational threats; the increase in state-linked hostile activities; to risks of direct confrontation with adversaries; and increasing salience of nuclear weapons. Disinformation and new technology bring new vulnerabilities. Research supports policy makers in understanding, adapting and responding to geopolitical and geoeconomic shifts; systemic competition; rapid technological change; and transnational challenges. Countering threats and harnessing scientific advantage will require the ability to combine innovation with international collaboration.