’The sanctions are massive and unprecedented’

Many countries have imposed massive sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine. Norbert Robers spoke to economic historian Dr. Ulrich Pfister, Professor of Social and Economic History at Münster University, about historical analogies and the effectiveness of what are often described as ’historic’ sanctions.

Currently, the word ’historic’ is often being used with regard to the Russian invasion of Ukraine - as well as in connection with the economic sanctions against Russia. Is the word ’historic’ justified in this context?

In their range and impact, the current sanctions are something new and, from that point of view, also historic. They are only possible as a result of our globalised world. ...