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Economic Sanctions: Definition, Examples, Pros and Cons



The Pros and Cons of Economic Sanctions Explained: Definition, Examples, Advantages and Disadvantages

Economic sanctions are penalties imposed by one country or a group of countries on another country, entity, or person for political or security reasons. They can take various forms, such as trade barriers, asset freezes, travel bans, arms embargoes, and financial restrictions. Economic sanctions are often used as a tool of foreign policy to influence the behavior or policies of the target, or to punish them for violating international norms or agreements.

But do economic sanctions work? What are the benefits and drawbacks of using them? In this blog post, we will explore the definition, examples, advantages and disadvantages of economic sanctions.

Definition of Economic Sanctions

According to the Council on Foreign Relations1, economic sanctions are defined as “the withdrawal of customary trade and financial relations for foreign- and security-policy purposes”. They can be comprehensive, prohibiting commercial activity with regard to an entire country, like the long-standing U.S. embargo of Cuba, or they can be targeted, blocking transactions by and with particular businesses, groups, or individuals. Since 9/11, there has been a shift toward targeted or so-called smart sanctions, which aim to minimize the suffering of innocent civilians.

Economic sanctions can be imposed by a single country, such as the United States, or by a multilateral organization, such as the United Nations or the European Union. They can also be coordinated among several countries, such as the sanctions imposed on Iran by the U.S., the E.U., and other countries over its nuclear program.

Examples of Economic Sanctions

Economic sanctions have been used throughout history for various purposes and with varying degrees of success. Some of the most notable examples of economic sanctions are:

  • The U.S. sanctions on Iran: The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Iran since 1979, following the Iranian Revolution and the hostage crisis. The sanctions have been tightened and relaxed over the years, depending on the diplomatic relations between the two countries. In 2015, the U.S., along with the E.U., China, Russia, and other countries, reached a landmark agreement with Iran to limit its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. However, in 2018, the U.S. withdrew from the agreement and reimposed sanctions on Iran, causing economic hardship and political tension in the region.
  • The U.N. sanctions on Iraq: The U.N. imposed sanctions on Iraq in 1990, after its invasion of Kuwait. The sanctions were aimed at forcing Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait and to comply with the U.N. resolutions on disarmament and human rights. The sanctions included a trade embargo, an oil-for-food program, and a no-fly zone. The sanctions were lifted in 2003, after the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and the overthrow of Saddam Hussein. The sanctions have been criticized for causing widespread suffering and death among the Iraqi population, especially children, and for failing to prevent Iraq from developing weapons of mass destruction.
  • The U.S. sanctions on Russia: The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Russia since 2014, in response to its annexation of Crimea and its involvement in the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The sanctions target individuals and entities linked to the Russian government, military, and energy sector, as well as certain sectors of the Russian economy, such as finance, defense, and energy. The sanctions have been coordinated with the E.U. and other countries, and have been expanded over the years to include new targets and measures. The sanctions have had a negative impact on the Russian economy, but have not deterred Russia from pursuing its interests in the region.

Advantages of Economic Sanctions

Economic sanctions can have some advantages as a foreign policy tool, such as:

  • They are a nonviolent and relatively low-cost alternative to military intervention, which can be costly, risky, and unpopular.
  • They can send a clear and strong message to the target that their actions or policies are unacceptable and need to change, or face further consequences.
  • They can isolate and weaken the target, reducing their resources, influence, and legitimacy, and increasing their domestic and international pressure.
  • They can mobilize and coordinate the international community, creating a coalition of countries that share the same goals and values, and enhancing the credibility and legitimacy of the sanctioning country or organization.

Disadvantages of Economic Sanctions

Economic sanctions can also have some disadvantages as a foreign policy tool, such as:

  • They can be ineffective or counterproductive, failing to achieve the desired outcomes or even backfiring. The target may resist or defy the sanctions, or find ways to circumvent or mitigate them. The sanctions may also have unintended consequences, such as harming innocent civilians, creating humanitarian crises, or triggering violence or retaliation.
  • They can be harmful or unfair, imposing costs and burdens on the sanctioning country or organization, as well as on third parties that are not directly involved in the conflict. The sanctions may hurt the trade, investment, and diplomatic relations of the sanctioning country or organization, or cause collateral damage to the economies and societies of other countries that depend on or interact with the target.
  • They can be controversial or illegitimate, facing opposition or criticism from the target, as well as from other countries or actors that disagree with the goals or methods of the sanctions. The sanctions may be seen as a violation of sovereignty, a form of coercion, or a double standard. The sanctions may also lack legal or moral authority, especially if they are imposed unilaterally or without a clear mandate or justification.

Conclusion

Economic sanctions are a common and controversial tool of foreign policy, used to influence or punish the behavior or policies of another country, entity, or person. They can have advantages and disadvantages, depending on the context, the goals, the methods, and the outcomes of the sanctions. Economic sanctions are not a silver bullet, and they should be used with caution, care, and coordination.


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