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What Are Economic Sanctions?

For many policymakers, economic sanctions have become the tool of choice to respond to major geopolitical challenges such as terrorism and conflict.

Ukrainians in London demonstrate against Russia’s invasion, in February 2022.
Ukrainians in London demonstrate against Russia’s invasion, in February 2022. Jeff Mitchell/Getty Images

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Last updated June 24, 2024 10:40 am (EST)

Recommended Resources

This study by Security Council Report, an independent nonprofit, provides an explanatory guide on the fundamentals of UN sanctions [PDF].

This paper from the EU Non-Proliferation Consortium examines the effectiveness of the bloc’s sanctions policy, using Iran as a case study.

In Treasury’s War, former senior Bush administration official Juan Zarate pens a definitive account of how “financial warfare” developed into a major component of U.S. foreign policy following the 9/11 attacks.

CFR’s Noah Berman and Diana Roy probe the efficacy of U.S. sanctions on Russia and Venezuela.

For Foreign Affairs, the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies’ Hanna Notte argues that sanctions have brought Russia and other U.S. rivals closer together.