Sanction

Definition

A sanction is a measure taken by countries or international organizations to influence or coerce a state or entity to comply with legal or ethical standards. Sanctions can take many forms, including economic restrictions, trade barriers, or diplomatic measures, and are often employed as a tool of foreign policy to maintain international order and security.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sanctions can be unilateral, imposed by one country, or multilateral, enforced by multiple countries or international bodies like the United Nations.
2. Economic sanctions can target specific sectors, such as oil or arms sales, to exert pressure on a country's economy without resorting to military action.
3. The effectiveness of sanctions can vary greatly; while they may pressure governments to change policies, they can also lead to unintended consequences like humanitarian crises.
4. Sanctions are often used in response to violations of international law, such as aggression against other nations, human rights abuses, or nuclear proliferation.
5. The process for lifting sanctions typically involves negotiations and agreements that assure compliance with the established conditions.

Review Questions

• How do sanctions function as tools of foreign policy and what impact do they have on the targeted states?
  • Sanctions function as tools of foreign policy by applying pressure on targeted states to change undesirable behaviors or policies. By implementing economic restrictions or diplomatic measures, countries aim to influence the actions of governments that violate international norms. The impact on targeted states can include economic hardship, social unrest, and in some cases, may lead to changes in governance or policy; however, the effectiveness often hinges on the strength and unity of the implementing nations.
• Discuss the potential drawbacks or unintended consequences of imposing sanctions on a country.
  • Imposing sanctions can lead to several drawbacks or unintended consequences. While intended to apply pressure on a government, sanctions can inadvertently harm civilians more than the intended targets. This might result in humanitarian crises, such as shortages of essential goods like food and medicine. Additionally, sanctions can foster anti-Western sentiment among the population, potentially strengthening the resolve of the government being sanctioned rather than leading to compliance.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of sanctions on international relations and global stability.
  • Long-term implications of sanctions on international relations can be complex and multifaceted. While they may succeed in changing specific behaviors in the short term, sustained sanctions can create rifts between nations and contribute to a cycle of hostility. Countries under sanctions may seek alternative alliances or economic partnerships that could further disrupt global stability. The legacy of sanctions could also reshape geopolitical dynamics as affected nations adapt their strategies, potentially leading to increased tensions or conflict in various regions.

Related terms

embargo: A specific type of sanction that prohibits trade with a particular country or the exchange of certain goods and services.

trade restrictions: Government-imposed limitations on the free exchange of goods and services between countries, often used in conjunction with sanctions.

diplomatic isolation: A strategy where a country limits or cuts off diplomatic relations with another state as a form of sanction to influence its behavior.