What do economic sanctions aim to achieve in the context of international relations?

Economic sanctions are tools used by states or international bodies to influence the behavior of other states or non-state actors. Their primary goal is often to compel a change in political policies or practices, particularly when a government is perceived to be acting contrary to international norms or human rights standards. By applying economic pressure through sanctions, the targeted state may face significant economic hardships, leading to internal instability or prompting the leadership to reconsider its decisions and engage in negotiations.

The emphasis on political change highlights how sanctions can serve as a means of enforcing compliance with international law or achieving specific diplomatic goals without resorting to military intervention. This approach has been utilized in various situations, such as targeting regimes that violate human rights, pursue aggressive wartime activities, or develop nuclear weapons contrary to global treaties. In doing so, sanctions aim to leverage economic consequences to encourage a shift toward more favorable international behavior.