Secondary sanctions cut countries off from the global banking system as these tell US banks to cut ties with foreign entities that deal with the sanctioned country. These can be modified to include the trade of assets like gold, so foreign businesses will have to reconsider trading with sanctioned countries, as doing so would cut them off from the US, one of the biggest hubs for global trade. If enacted, these can squash Russia’s attempts to use gold in circumventing the primary sanctions imposed on them. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
