What is the history of economic sanctions?

What is the history of economic sanctions?

Economic sanctions have been used for centuries as a tool of foreign policy. They can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, but modern sanctions began to take shape in the 20th century, particularly during the World Wars.

What are some notable examples of sanctions in history?

Some notable examples include the U.S. sanctions against Cuba in the 1960s, the sanctions on South Africa during apartheid, and the sanctions imposed on Iraq in the 1990s.

How effective are sanctions in achieving their goals?

The effectiveness of sanctions varies. They can pressure governments to change behavior, but they often have unintended consequences, affecting civilians more than the intended targets.

What are the ethical implications of using sanctions?

Ethical implications include the humanitarian impact on civilian populations and the debate over whether sanctions are a form of collective punishment.