Sanctions: A Tool of Smart Power

Iran: Targeting Oil Revenue and Shadow Fleets

Russia and Cartels: Focused Pressure

America’s financial power may be one of its most effective tools between diplomacy and war. Steve Yates argues that the Trump administration and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are reshaping sanctions into a more targeted, results-driven instrument focused on changing behavior, disrupting threats, and advancing U.S. interests. Using examples from Iran, Venezuela, Syria, Russia, and transnational criminal networks, he explains why precision and flexibility may strengthen American leverage rather than weaken it. Listen now to hear how modernized sanctions fit into a broader strategy of smart power and national security. Follow Nation States with Yates for clear, common-sense insights where Steve Yates serves as your personal national security advisor, breaking down world events in ways that matter to Main Street, not just Washington. Connect with the show at NationStatesYates@Gmail.com and follow on X @NSWithYates.

America&rsquo;s financial power may be one of its most effective tools between diplomacy and war. Steve Yates argues that the Trump administration and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are reshaping sanctions into a more targeted, results-driven instrument focused on changing behavior, disrupting threats, and advancing U.S. interests. Using examples from Iran, Venezuela, Syria, Russia, and transnational criminal networks, he explains why precision and flexibility may strengthen American leverage rather than weaken it. Listen now to hear how modernized sanctions fit into a broader strategy of smart power and national security.&nbsp;Follow Nation States with Yates for clear, common-sense insights where Steve Yates serves as your personal national security advisor, breaking down world events in ways that matter to Main Street, not just Washington. Connect with the show at NationStatesYates@Gmail.com and follow on X @NSWithYates.

Nation States with Yates is your personal national security advisor: translating global politics, foreign policy, and geopolitical risk into clear, Main Street common sense. Hosted by Steve Yates, a former White House national security official, each episode delivers concise, experience-driven insight into how decisions are made at the highest levels, and what they mean for the United States and the world.

Nation States with Yates&nbsp;is your personal national security advisor: translating global politics, foreign policy,&nbsp;and geopolitical risk into clear, Main Street common sense. Hosted by Steve Yates, a former White House national security official, each episode delivers concise, experience-driven insight into how decisions are made at the highest levels, and what they mean for the United States and the world.

Nation States with Yates

Nation States: Sanctions Done Right and America's Financial Edge

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/20c9df61-7a16-4d22-a272-b49c010abfec/transcript