Economic Sanctions

Whether used to punish a regime, deter aggression or encourage democracy, economic sanctions are one of the most powerful international tools at a nation’s disposal. Nevertheless, these coercive measures are not without their costs and must be weighed carefully before being imposed.

The use of sanctions can be traced back to ancient times—the Athenians imposed a trade embargo on the city-state of Megara in 432 BCE over a territorial dispute that led to the Peloponnesian War. The practice has continued to evolve as the world grows more interconnected. Modern economic sanctions can be implemented unilaterally or in partnership with allies and international organizations like NATO, the UN and the EU. International cooperation strengthens the effectiveness of these measures by effectively isolating the target country and making it harder for it to avoid sanctions through smuggling or other means.

Sanctions can vary in form, but often include trade restrictions and arms embargoes. They are typically aimed at non-state actors such as terrorist groups and states that condone their activities. This ensures that dangerous groups are unable to fully fund their operations and gives the sanctioning nations a reason to act.

Supporters of sanctions argue that while the impact on a targeted population may be harsh, it is less deadly than open warfare and allows for countries to achieve their goals through peaceful means. Critics of sanctions, however, point to the fact that they disproportionately affect the poorest citizens, who are most likely to be affected by the broader socioeconomic impacts of a forced economic downturn including lower living standards, health outcomes and reduced longevity.