Sanktion

Sanction is a term with two principal senses. As an official action, a sanction denotes authorization or approval for an activity granted by a competent authority. In policy and international relations, sanctions are coercive measures imposed by governments or international organizations to influence the behavior of other states, organizations, or individuals. They may be punitive, aiming to deter or punish, or preventive, aimed at shaping future conduct. A related distinction is between positive sanctions (permissions or rewards) and negative sanctions (penalties or restrictions).

Origin and usage: The word derives from Latin sanction-, sanctionem, meaning a decree or ratification, via Old French sanction. In its earliest sense it referred to legal authorization; later it acquired the sense of penalties or punitive measures designed to enforce compliance.

Forms: Economic sanctions include trade restrictions, asset freezes, and embargoes. Diplomatic sanctions restrict or suspend diplomatic contacts, travel by officials, or consular services. Military sanctions may include arms embargoes or restrictions on military assistance. Legal sanctions impose fines or imprisonment; social or informal sanctions refer to reputational penalties. Sanctions can be unilateral or multilateral, commonly coordinated by international bodies such as the United Nations or regional blocs like the European Union, with carve-outs for humanitarian goods.

Effectiveness and debate: Sanctions aim to change behavior but outcomes vary; they can pressure governments but may cause humanitarian hardship or unintended effects. Their success often depends on coverage, enforcement, and the availability of alternative channels for the targeted state.

Examples: International sanctions regimes have been used to address various concerns, including deterrence or disarmament goals in different periods, with broader use by bodies such as the United Nations, the European Union, and individual states. The effectiveness and humanitarian impact of sanctions remain subjects of ongoing debate.