Economic Sanctions in the 1990's,
Abstract
Economic sanctions are a tool employed to achieve particular political objectives. The 20th century experience with formal economic sanctions leaves considerable doubt about the efficacy of these measures. This paper points out, however, that historical lack of success with sanctions does not mean that this tool will not be used in the 1990's. Inherent in the use of sanctions are several military implications. First of all the failure of sanctions can lead to implementing stronger measures such as blockades and search and seizure. If the sanctions are effective, then they could be responsible for internal strain which could lead to revolution or a declaration of war. The use of sanctions requires the user to keep in mind his objectives and to have thought out the follow-on actions both when the sanctions are effective and when they are not. Economic sanctions are formalized trade and financial penalties inflicted upon target nations for the purpose of coercing the latter into practices and behavior more in accord with the desires of the boycott-imposing governments. They are, in short, a nonmilitary form of coercion designed to obtain specific or generalized foreign policy objectives. American sanctions against Cuba, for example, were implemented for the purpose of either toppling the Castro regime or forcing it into more acceptable behavior. The recent sanctions against Iran were imposed for the purpose of freeing American hostages, while the economic measures taken against the Soviet Union have as their stated goal the removal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan. Sanctions also perform a symbolic function.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 30, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA092201
Entities
People
- Donald L. Losman
Organizations
- United States Army War College