sancions

Sanctions are coercive measures imposed by one or more states or by international bodies against a target, typically a country, government official, organization, or individual, to influence policies or behaviors. They aim to compel compliance with international norms or UN resolutions and to signal disapproval without military force. Sanctions vary in scope and are commonly classified as economic, financial, diplomatic, travel-related, or arms-related. Economic sanctions restrict trade and access to markets; financial sanctions curb access to international banking and capital flows; travel bans block entry for individuals; arms embargoes prohibit arms sales; diplomatic sanctions reduce formal relations.

A sanctions regime may be broad, affecting many sectors of an economy, or targeted, focusing on specific sectors or individuals. Instruments include export and import controls, asset freezes, prohibitions on financial transactions, visa bans, and restrictions on technology transfers. Humanitarian exemptions are often provided to allow food, medicine, and other essential goods, though their implementation can be complex and contested.

Legal authority typically arises from international law, United Nations Security Council resolutions, and national laws. Enforcement involves customs, finance ministries, export control agencies, and judiciary, with compliance and monitoring to prevent evasion. Effectiveness is contested; sanctions can pressure policymakers but also impose costs on the civilian population and may be circumvented. They are most politically contentious when humanitarian impacts are uncertain or when enforcement is weak. Scholarly discussions emphasize clear objectives, credible enforcement, and regular assessment to determine whether a sanctions regime achieves its intended goals.