Unlearned History: The Ineffectual Application of U.S. Broad Economic Sanctions Against Syria
Abstract
The United States (U.S.) reaction to the violent repression of protest in 2011 by the Syrian government was the application of broad economic sanctions. In contrast to previously existing sanctions targeted at individual people and entities, these measures affected the Syrian economy writ large and impacted all elements of Syrian society. This paper outlines three key factors that have historically inhibited the achievement of a sending state s objectives through economic coercion, particularly when the target state was of an authoritarian nature. It then applies these factors to the current U.S. broad economic sanctions policy against Syria and analyzes the effectiveness that these additional measures have had on achieving the U.S. s stated objectives. Finally, the paper draws conclusions and proposes recommended actions that should be considered across the near, mid, and far-term time horizons that may dampen the violence and ameliorate the humanitarian crisis within Syria.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 30, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1000875
Entities
People
- Richard D Branson
Organizations
- Naval War College