Richard Nephew
@richardmnephew.bsky.social
Senior Research Scholar at Columbia U. Former Anti-Corruption Coordinator at Dept of State (among other things), White House and Dept of Energy. Personal acct.
Pinned
Reposted by Richard Nephew
For U.S. sanctions against Russia to be effective, Washington must also “stem the pipeline of energy-fueled cash from Beijing to Moscow,” write Erica Downs and @richardmnephew.bsky.social.
America’s Toothless Sanctions on Russian Oil
Last month, the Trump administration imposed fresh sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, signaling a renewed desire to drive Moscow to the negotiating table in its war a...
www.foreignaffairs.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:06 PM
For U.S. sanctions against Russia to be effective, Washington must also “stem the pipeline of energy-fueled cash from Beijing to Moscow,” write Erica Downs and @richardmnephew.bsky.social.
Latest from me with Erica Downs on Russia-China and oil sanctions.
October was a start but the USG has to do more if it wants to be serious about pressure on Russia and demonstrate to China that it means what it says about other issues to boot.
www.foreignaffairs.com/united-state...
October was a start but the USG has to do more if it wants to be serious about pressure on Russia and demonstrate to China that it means what it says about other issues to boot.
www.foreignaffairs.com/united-state...
America’s Toothless Sanctions on Russian Oil
Last month, the Trump administration imposed fresh sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, signaling a renewed desire to drive Moscow to the negotiating table in its war a...
www.foreignaffairs.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Latest from me with Erica Downs on Russia-China and oil sanctions.
October was a start but the USG has to do more if it wants to be serious about pressure on Russia and demonstrate to China that it means what it says about other issues to boot.
www.foreignaffairs.com/united-state...
October was a start but the USG has to do more if it wants to be serious about pressure on Russia and demonstrate to China that it means what it says about other issues to boot.
www.foreignaffairs.com/united-state...
Dan's point about the world having passed us by is a reason why that book I was thinking about writing -- the value the U.S. received from expanding good governance as an international operating principle and how to do it more -- has been permanently shelved. Felt like a eulogy.
I reviewed Hillary Clinton and Keren Yarhi-Milo’s edited volume "Inside the Situation Room" for @foreignpolicy.com. The book manages to be interesting and absurd at the same time. danieldrezner.substack.com/p/look-whos-...
Look Who's Reviewing
Did I review another book? Why yes, yes I did.
danieldrezner.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 10:15 PM
Dan's point about the world having passed us by is a reason why that book I was thinking about writing -- the value the U.S. received from expanding good governance as an international operating principle and how to do it more -- has been permanently shelved. Felt like a eulogy.
Absolutely appalling.
"Accept this prejudicial peace or we will abandon you to the wolves" is disgraceful, dishonorable, and an unnecessary capitulation to Russia.
www.reuters.com/world/europe...
"Accept this prejudicial peace or we will abandon you to the wolves" is disgraceful, dishonorable, and an unnecessary capitulation to Russia.
www.reuters.com/world/europe...
www.reuters.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Absolutely appalling.
"Accept this prejudicial peace or we will abandon you to the wolves" is disgraceful, dishonorable, and an unnecessary capitulation to Russia.
www.reuters.com/world/europe...
"Accept this prejudicial peace or we will abandon you to the wolves" is disgraceful, dishonorable, and an unnecessary capitulation to Russia.
www.reuters.com/world/europe...
It does get worse as you read it.
My "favorite" part is the gracious concession that "European NATO forces will be stationed in Poland." You know, that European country that also happens to be in NATO.
My "favorite" part is the gracious concession that "European NATO forces will be stationed in Poland." You know, that European country that also happens to be in NATO.
Pretty disgusting surrender ter...I mean "proposal" being offered here.
www.axios.com/2025/11/19/t...
www.axios.com/2025/11/19/t...
Scoop: Trump plan asks Ukraine to cede additional territory for security guarantee
"We are now going to wait. The ball is in Zelensky's court."
www.axios.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:49 PM
It does get worse as you read it.
My "favorite" part is the gracious concession that "European NATO forces will be stationed in Poland." You know, that European country that also happens to be in NATO.
My "favorite" part is the gracious concession that "European NATO forces will be stationed in Poland." You know, that European country that also happens to be in NATO.
Pretty disgusting surrender ter...I mean "proposal" being offered here.
www.axios.com/2025/11/19/t...
www.axios.com/2025/11/19/t...
Scoop: Trump plan asks Ukraine to cede additional territory for security guarantee
"We are now going to wait. The ball is in Zelensky's court."
www.axios.com
November 19, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Pretty disgusting surrender ter...I mean "proposal" being offered here.
www.axios.com/2025/11/19/t...
www.axios.com/2025/11/19/t...
Fighting corruption remains essential for Ukraine to defeat Russia's war of aggression; NABU/SAPO merit praise for their courage in investigating and prosecuting these cases, consistent with the rule of law.
www.wsj.com/world/europe...
www.wsj.com/world/europe...
Inside the Ukrainian Corruption Probe Edging Closer to Zelensky
The investigation has reached higher up in Ukraine and closer to the president himself than any other during his tenure.
www.wsj.com
November 19, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Fighting corruption remains essential for Ukraine to defeat Russia's war of aggression; NABU/SAPO merit praise for their courage in investigating and prosecuting these cases, consistent with the rule of law.
www.wsj.com/world/europe...
www.wsj.com/world/europe...
Oh, come on.
How to lobby Trump with Swiss precision: gifts, gold and gab www.axios.com/2025/11/14/t...
How to lobby Trump with Swiss precision: gifts, gold and gab www.axios.com/2025/11/14/t...
How to lobby Trump with Swiss precision: gifts, gold and gab
How the Swiss broke a diplomatic logjam on tariffs by arriving with tributes fit for a king.
www.axios.com
November 17, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Oh, come on.
How to lobby Trump with Swiss precision: gifts, gold and gab www.axios.com/2025/11/14/t...
How to lobby Trump with Swiss precision: gifts, gold and gab www.axios.com/2025/11/14/t...
Reposted by Richard Nephew
👇 Unless Congress affirmatively voted to authorize Trump admin strikes against suspected drug cartel affiliates (which are already illegal under domestic and international law), another law kicks in on Monday that requires the President to withdraw the U.S. military:
No way around this: On Monday, November 3, the Trump administration's lethal military operations against suspected drug cartels will be prohibited by Congress.
Recommended reading:
This new Expert Backgrounder which discusses the history and scope of the War Powers Resolution 60-Day Clock.
Recommended reading:
This new Expert Backgrounder which discusses the history and scope of the War Powers Resolution 60-Day Clock.
Expert Backgrounder on War Powers Resolution 60-Day Clock for Boat Strikes Expiring Monday
Expert backgrounder on how War Powers Resolution works in application to U.S. military operations against suspected drug cartels.
www.justsecurity.org
October 31, 2025 at 4:41 PM
👇 Unless Congress affirmatively voted to authorize Trump admin strikes against suspected drug cartel affiliates (which are already illegal under domestic and international law), another law kicks in on Monday that requires the President to withdraw the U.S. military:
In my job as US anti-corruption coordinator, I spent a lot of time talking to partners about the importance of accountability. A lot of people couldn't hold their leaders accountable; they asked us to do what we could via sanctions. Thinking of those people right now, amid another betrayal.
The Trump admin lifts sanctions on Putin ally and Serbian leader Milorad Dodik.
The move comes after pressure from Laura Loomer, Rudy Giuliani and Michael Flynn.
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
The move comes after pressure from Laura Loomer, Rudy Giuliani and Michael Flynn.
www.politico.com/news/2025/10...
US lifts sanctions on Putin ally ‘Bosnian Bear’
The sanctions on Milorad Dodik, an ultranationalist Serbian politician, had attracted criticism from MAGA firebrands.
www.politico.com
October 29, 2025 at 10:24 PM
In my job as US anti-corruption coordinator, I spent a lot of time talking to partners about the importance of accountability. A lot of people couldn't hold their leaders accountable; they asked us to do what we could via sanctions. Thinking of those people right now, amid another betrayal.
Try reading this without your jaw dropping.
Yes, even now, my jaw dropped.
Trump Said to Demand Justice Dept. Pay Him $230 Million for Past Cases www.nytimes.com/2025/10/21/u...
Yes, even now, my jaw dropped.
Trump Said to Demand Justice Dept. Pay Him $230 Million for Past Cases www.nytimes.com/2025/10/21/u...
Trump Said to Demand Justice Dept. Pay Him $230 Million for Past Cases
www.nytimes.com
October 21, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Try reading this without your jaw dropping.
Yes, even now, my jaw dropped.
Trump Said to Demand Justice Dept. Pay Him $230 Million for Past Cases www.nytimes.com/2025/10/21/u...
Yes, even now, my jaw dropped.
Trump Said to Demand Justice Dept. Pay Him $230 Million for Past Cases www.nytimes.com/2025/10/21/u...
Reposted by Richard Nephew
Protest is patriotic.
October 18, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Protest is patriotic.
This is interesting but my main thought in reading is: yeah, maybe? I don't know, the reality is that inertia is real, as the US has found with its financial sanctions, OPEC found with oil, etc, etc. Cheap/accessible will always find clients. www.reuters.com/markets/comm...
China can only fire the big gun of refined metals restrictions once
China is once again rolling out the big cannon of curbs on metals and minerals vital to the global energy transition, as well as key components in weapons and electronics.
www.reuters.com
October 15, 2025 at 2:33 PM
This is interesting but my main thought in reading is: yeah, maybe? I don't know, the reality is that inertia is real, as the US has found with its financial sanctions, OPEC found with oil, etc, etc. Cheap/accessible will always find clients. www.reuters.com/markets/comm...
Reposted by Richard Nephew
New from @richardmnephew.bsky.social: "The United States and its partners should look carefully at the UN Security Council resolutions and identify similar ways to harness their measures toward preventing Iran from reconstituting its nuclear and missile programs."
Four Keys for Iran Snapback Implementation
Inevitable attempts by Tehran to rebuild its nuclear and missile programs will require a U.S.-led campaign to track the regime’s proliferation activities and block transfers of related materials.
www.washingtoninstitute.org
October 8, 2025 at 9:55 PM
New from @richardmnephew.bsky.social: "The United States and its partners should look carefully at the UN Security Council resolutions and identify similar ways to harness their measures toward preventing Iran from reconstituting its nuclear and missile programs."
Reposted by Richard Nephew
The elimination of USAID is a moral atrocity and all involved made a choice to enable, and then lie about, ending the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in the world.
October 8, 2025 at 2:09 PM
The elimination of USAID is a moral atrocity and all involved made a choice to enable, and then lie about, ending the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in the world.
Treasury removed sanctions on former president of Paraguay Cartes yesterday without an explanation.
I guess I can say that I'm not surprised, just disappointed.
Cartes was corrupt and is a corrupting influence in Paraguay. Removal of these sanctions doesn't change that.
I guess I can say that I'm not surprised, just disappointed.
Cartes was corrupt and is a corrupting influence in Paraguay. Removal of these sanctions doesn't change that.
October 7, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Treasury removed sanctions on former president of Paraguay Cartes yesterday without an explanation.
I guess I can say that I'm not surprised, just disappointed.
Cartes was corrupt and is a corrupting influence in Paraguay. Removal of these sanctions doesn't change that.
I guess I can say that I'm not surprised, just disappointed.
Cartes was corrupt and is a corrupting influence in Paraguay. Removal of these sanctions doesn't change that.
Worth noting: the modality may be a little baroque, but the sanctionability of all of this is absolutely clear under US law and has been for over a decade.
Important story: U.S. sanctions make it nearly impossible to pay Iran for its oil. China has figured out how to do it anyway, in an arrangement that has largely been secret.
www.wsj.com/world/middle...
www.wsj.com/world/middle...
Exclusive | How China Secretly Pays Iran for Oil and Avoids U.S. Sanctions
A hidden funding conduit has deepened economic ties between the two U.S. rivals in defiance of Washington’s efforts to isolate Tehran.
www.wsj.com
October 6, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Worth noting: the modality may be a little baroque, but the sanctionability of all of this is absolutely clear under US law and has been for over a decade.
Important story: U.S. sanctions make it nearly impossible to pay Iran for its oil. China has figured out how to do it anyway, in an arrangement that has largely been secret.
www.wsj.com/world/middle...
www.wsj.com/world/middle...
Exclusive | How China Secretly Pays Iran for Oil and Avoids U.S. Sanctions
A hidden funding conduit has deepened economic ties between the two U.S. rivals in defiance of Washington’s efforts to isolate Tehran.
www.wsj.com
October 6, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Important story: U.S. sanctions make it nearly impossible to pay Iran for its oil. China has figured out how to do it anyway, in an arrangement that has largely been secret.
www.wsj.com/world/middle...
www.wsj.com/world/middle...
A very interesting experience. Thanks for folks who participated. Hope you found it interesting too.
It's a vital moment for the challenge presented by Iran's nuclear program -- so I'm trying something new. Swing by and ask me anything on @Reddit today at 3:30PM ET. Thanks to the @Reddit team & moderators at r/IAmA for helping to organize. www.reddit.com/r/AMA/commen...
I’m a nuclear nonproliferation expert and diplomat who helped design and negotiate the Iran Nuclear Deal. AMA.
www.reddit.com
October 1, 2025 at 8:37 PM
A very interesting experience. Thanks for folks who participated. Hope you found it interesting too.
It's a vital moment for the challenge presented by Iran's nuclear program -- so I'm trying something new. Swing by and ask me anything on @Reddit today at 3:30PM ET. Thanks to the @Reddit team & moderators at r/IAmA for helping to organize. www.reddit.com/r/AMA/commen...
I’m a nuclear nonproliferation expert and diplomat who helped design and negotiate the Iran Nuclear Deal. AMA.
www.reddit.com
October 1, 2025 at 7:03 PM
It's a vital moment for the challenge presented by Iran's nuclear program -- so I'm trying something new. Swing by and ask me anything on @Reddit today at 3:30PM ET. Thanks to the @Reddit team & moderators at r/IAmA for helping to organize. www.reddit.com/r/AMA/commen...
Don't sleep on the issues of corruption...corruption is an enabler of crime that debilitates government and poisons society. And people HATE corruption so it may also have some potency in public messaging.
September 29, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Don't sleep on the issues of corruption...corruption is an enabler of crime that debilitates government and poisons society. And people HATE corruption so it may also have some potency in public messaging.
Re-upping this too: www.wsj.com/opinion/snap...
Opinion | Snapback Sanctions Hit Iran
Actually enforcing them will require hard work by Western politicians, diplomats and experts.
www.wsj.com
September 26, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Re-upping this too: www.wsj.com/opinion/snap...
