During his talk, Professor Biersteker explained that sanctions are widely used and probably overused and misunderstood, not only by the general public, but by many policy practitioners themselves, particularly with regards as to how they affect targeted parties. He went on to explain that sanctions are also underutilised in the sense that they are not used strategically, or in combination with the presence of other policy instruments being simultaneously applied.

He suggested that one of the ways used to keep track, monitor and contribute to the better analysis of sanctions is through the development of SanctionsApp, which was first created in 2013.

The Professor Biersteker’s keynote speech was followed by a reception. 

The Bern Chapter is co-headed by Dea Rolih ('06) and Thierry Beyeler ('09). 

We would like to express our gratitude to everyone who was able to come for the event.