When a country won't negotiate, squeeze its economy or keep talking?

The issue is we try squeeze then talk, or talk then squeeze. Never a real sustained strategy.

If negotiation worked, we wouldn't be having this problem. You need leverage.

Cutting them off just pushes them toward rival powers. Better to stay engaged and slowly shift incentives.

Both work sometimes, neither works always. Depends entirely on what you're trying to achieve.

Sanctions have a terrible track record. North Korea, Iran, Venezuela — they just make citizens suffer while leaders stay rich.

Economic pressure is literally the only language authoritarian regimes understand. Dialogue just gives them time to consolidate power.