The West is still struggling to come up with an attention-getting response to what appears to be Russia's creeping annexation of Ukraine. While unrest and instability in Crimea and eastern Ukraine have provided the pretext for the extension of Russian interests, the overt use of military force by either Moscow or the West does not appear to be in the cards.
The United States and Europe have instead responded with economic sanctions, a punishment that is neither as visible nor as demonstrative, but could yield more powerful results — if done properly.
While the origins of the mysterious balaclava-clad forces that seized control of Crimea and demanded a return to Mother Russia remain unclear, Western policymakers have concluded that Moscow is responsible for their actions.