Are sanctions and condemnation effective in curbing unruly nations?

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In summary, despite some successes, sanctions generally have little or no impact on the actual behavior of a nation. They may, however, be useful in pressuring a regime to change.
  • #1
khemist
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Besides wasting oxygen, what effect do sanctions and condemnations towards "unruly" nations actually have?
 
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  • #2
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  • #3
When they're imposed against a brutal regime, they actually empower the regime whilst making its citizens suffer - take Iraq for example: millions of children died as a result of UN sanctions whilst Sadam Hussein hold of power was immeasurably strengthened.

They did however work in South Africa - they were a contributing factor to the ending of Apartheid.
 
  • #4
vertices said:
They did however work in South Africa - they were a contributing factor to the ending of Apartheid.

Not so ..

SANCTIONS ON SOUTH AFRICA: WHAT DID THEY DO?
Philip I. Levy (Yale University)
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&sourc...Eb9eG0_DA&sig2=TI2WcBTs22bfoY5aC2LvRg&cad=rja

Abstract
This paper considers the economic sanctions that were applied in the mid-1980s to
pressure the South African government to end apartheid. It asks what role those sanctions
played in the eventual demise of the apartheid regime and concludes that the role was
probably very small. An alternative explanation for the regime change is offered: the
communist bloc combined to bring about the change. If one is to argue for the efficacy of
sanctions, two key obstacles are their limited economic impact and the substantial lag
between the imposition of sanctions and the political change. Since sanctions preceded
the change of government, it is impossible to rule them out as a determinant. However,
their principal effect was probably psychological. The implication is that the South
African case should not serve as the lone major instance of effective sanctions.
 
  • #5
Condemnations craft political consensus within the nation(s) issuing the condemnation.
And that need not be a bad thing at all.
 
  • #6
vertices said:
When they're imposed against a brutal regime, they actually empower the regime whilst making its citizens suffer

You have to consider the maginal amount of extra empowerment, not the absolute level. Almost by definition, a brutal regime has already "empowered" itself to do whatever it feels like doing.

But I tend to agree with Arildno, it may be more about giving the rest of the world legitimacy to express its opinions freely, and ostracizing the overt or covert supporters of the unuily regime, rather than the direct economic consequence of the sanctions.
 

1. What are sanctions and condemnation?

Sanctions and condemnation are diplomatic tools used by countries or organizations to enforce penalties or restrictions on another country or entity that is deemed to be violating international laws or human rights. Sanctions can include trade embargoes, financial restrictions, travel bans, or other measures aimed at pressuring the target to change its behavior. Condemnation is a public expression of disapproval or criticism.

2. Why are sanctions and condemnation used?

Sanctions and condemnation are used as a way to address and deter undesirable actions or behaviors by a country or entity. They are often used as a peaceful alternative to military force and can be effective in promoting change by putting pressure on the target to comply with international standards and norms.

3. How do sanctions and condemnation work?

Sanctions and condemnation work by imposing penalties or restrictions on the target country or entity. These penalties can range from economic sanctions, such as trade embargoes, to political sanctions, such as diplomatic isolation. Condemnation works by publicly denouncing the actions of the target and highlighting the consequences of their behavior.

4. What are the potential consequences of sanctions and condemnation?

The potential consequences of sanctions and condemnation can vary depending on the severity and scope of the measures taken. In some cases, sanctions can lead to economic hardships and affect the daily lives of citizens in the target country. Condemnation can also damage the reputation and standing of the target country on the international stage, making it harder for them to establish relationships and conduct business with other nations.

5. Can sanctions and condemnation be effective?

Sanctions and condemnation can be effective in achieving their intended goals, but their success depends on various factors such as the level of international support, the severity of the measures, and the willingness of the target to comply. In some cases, sanctions and condemnation have led to changes in behavior and policies, but in others, they have had little to no impact. It is important to carefully consider the potential consequences and effectiveness of these measures before implementing them.

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