International emotional resonance: Explaining transatlantic economic sanctions against Russia

Why did transatlantic policymakers target Russia with economic sanctions in response to its actions during the Ukraine conflict? Commentators perceived these as highly unlikely because they would have high costs for several European countries, and were surprised when finally adopted. Constructivist scholars employed explanations based on common norms trust explain Union’s agreement this case. I argue that mechanism of international emotional resonance played a decisive role altering course United States core Union powers’ cooperation. A framework combines influence mechanisms persuasion contagion explains precise timing policy shift, why accepted at substantial cost their economy how affected empowered by intense emotions.