In this essay I address the question of whether economic instruments such as tariffs, embargoes, quotas, capital controls, financial sanctions, or asset freezes can achieve national security goals—economic, political, or military—and thereby help avoid international conflict, or even preclude war. The connection between economics and national security is an ancient issue about which people have debated for a long time. Thucydides wrote about the Athenians sending out ships to collect money to finance battles, but the very act of collecting money under force could be counterproductive and lead to war.

Thursday’s Democratic debate was “lively” and “enlightening,” writes Damon Linker at The Week, yet “none of it will matter.” Yes, millions have watched the debates. But: “The effect? Not much.” Shaky performances haven’t cost Joe Biden his lead. Kamala Harris’ big hit on Biden led her to rise briefly — but now she’s out of the race. Elizabeth Warren climbed but has “fallen back.”

Issue 1924 of The Caravan is now available online. The journal is a periodic symposium on the contemporary dilemmas of the Greater Middle East.

Hoover Institution fellow Jack Goldsmith discusses new memoir In Hoffa's Shadow: A Stepfather, a Disappearance in Detroit, and My Search for the Truth, which investigates his stepfather’s role in Hoffa’s disappearance.