By: ANSHA HUSSAIN
What are economic sanctions? Economic sanctions have been used for centuries from
435 BC and have been a prominent feature of international trade. The Cambridge Dictionary describes economic sanctions as ‘actions taken by a country or organization against the economy of another country, such as refusing to trade with it, in order to force it to obey a law or a set of rules’. Some argue that economic sanctions are detrimental to the human rights of innocent civilians by depriving them of basic necessities such as healthcare which adversely affects the lives of these people. Similarly, opponents of sanctions also believe that they affect not just the targeted country but also the neighbouring ones which disrupt global trade and supply chains. On the other hand, in an increasingly interconnected world, countries find themselves in the need to coerce the behaviour of other countries. For example, the sanctions imposed on Iraq and South Africa have influenced the actions of these nations. Added to that, these economic sanctions can encourage innovation in the receiving country, such as in Iran and Russia, by allowing them to develop ways to curtail its threatening effects. Thus, this essay will assess the impacts of imposing economic sanctions from medical, global trade, political and economic perspectives.
To start with, it is argued that economic sanctions have a detrimental health and nutritional impact on the civilian population of the receiving country, especially children. An American institute, The National Library of Medicine, supports the idea of banning economic sanctions as it believes that it has a more negative impact on children by stating that, “Economic sanctions on countries are inconsistent with the UN Convention on the Rights of Children and in particular articles 24, 26 and 28 which concern the rights of children to access healthcare, social welfare….”(2021). The critical nature of this situation is reflected in the fact that due to the lack of medical facilities in the target country, life expectancy has reduced by 1.2-1.4 through UN sanctions and 0.4-0.5 through US sanctions. This further fuelled the rise in the emergence of new diseases by 2.5%.(ibid) . Thus, the authors provide insightful evidence to a large scale which allows the analysis of effects on health, making the argument credible. It also allows deeper insights and understanding of the relationship between sanctions and civilian healthcare. To further strengthen the argument, the authors have also generalized these effects on a global scale by elaborating on how the infant mortality rate had dramatically risen in Iraq due to the nutritional complications caused directly by sanctions. (ibid). Added to that, due to the US sanctions imposed on Cuba, there were shortages of basic necessities which led to inequality. (ibid). This article is an official US government website which indicates that it was established upon extensive reliable research, therefore delivering its authenticity. Ultimately, the article provides well justified reasons as to why economic sanctions should be banned.
The argument is further backed by a corroborating UK journal stating that, “In Iran, especially in the healthcare area, sanctions have resulted in increasing the cost of essential procedures and drugs such as diagnostic procedures for cancers and chemotherapy drugs. The difficulties in getting required licenses for financial transactions and transportation insurance due to sanctions has left the country with a shortage of drugs and health equipment” (BMC, 2024). Hence, this makes the argument more valid as it outlines the challenges faced by different nations in acquiring medical facilities and the threatening impact if not accessed.
Another argument put forth in banning economic sanctions is that they negatively affect global trade overall rather than just the target country. An Italian supply chain expert, Rafael A. Vela, has provided logical reasoning as to how sanctions on Russia meant
“Global trade routes are being redirected, as companies in countries that had relied on Russian raw materials, such as oil, natural gas, and metals, are forced to find alternative suppliers”. (LinkedIn ,2025). This highlights the basics of economics as new global routes lead to longer transport distances, resulting in higher costs which is then passed on to consumers in the form of increased prices. (ibid). This point is also enhanced by a corroborating source in which Caleb Hinton, a British entrepreneur, explained that ‘’The ripple effect of sanctions extends to supply chains, causing delays, shortages and inefficiencies as businesses are forced to adapt to new hurdles.“ Therefore, this drastically increases expenses that either producers or consumers, perhaps even both, have to suffer from. (CurrencyTransfer, 2024). Moreover, Vela further elaborates his argument by stating that countries like India, China and those in Eastern Europe have no option but to redirect into new markets which has already led to instability in the economy and, “can either increase or reduce their supply chain complexity depending on the region and the goods in question.” If they do not, then these countries will be penalized in the form of secondary sanctions being placed on them. This can therefore lead to economic vulnerability in these neighbouring economies.(ibid).
Not only is his argument valid because it views the impacts from a global lens, but it is also based upon the use of rational reasoning and facts to establish credibility. By consistently employing logos, it fosters trust and emphasizes integrity in communication. This article has been published in LinkedIn which is a well known source in the field of business. However, a weakness of this source is that, although LinkedIn is not an academic journal, the fact that he has placed this article there might limit the authenticity and relevance of the evidence presented. Added to that, Vela, himself is a supply chain executive with extensive global experience leading procurement. Alongside this, he has led multi-county initiatives and dynamic global markets. Thus, the author’s vast expertise ensures that the evidence presented is trustworthy and pertinent.
In contrast, a fundamental argument against the ban of economic sanctions is that they effectively influence the behaviour of the targeted country. This idea is enhanced by a Canadian author, Michel Rossignol, who stated that, “although sanctions penalize delinquent countries for past wrongdoing, they are above all intended to persuade them to change actions or policies in the future.” (1996). He gave examples of several countries that have been exposed to these economic sanctions. One such is Iraq. After the Gulf war, the UN instructed Iraq to destroy any nuclear, mass destructive weapons along with related facilities to prevent the nation from initiating wars in order to maintain peace in the Gulf region.(ibid). However, Iraq did not fully cooperate which condemned the UN to place stricter sanctions to block the import of humanitarian supplies into the target country. This forced Iraq to give in and discuss the matter. (ibid). Additionally, Rossignol acknowledges that economic sanctions play a vital role in pressurizing countries by mentioning that Canada is a huge supporter of this tool. This is because it follows the United Nations Act (allows the Canadian government to limit connections with the target countries) and monitors the receiving nation (ibid). This effective refutation further strengthens the argument.
The data provided by the author is highly valid as it showcases extensive research through examples of countries from all around the globe, thereby improving its generalizability. Furthermore, he is author of over 200 peer-reviewed articles and numerous book chapters which contributes to his vast expertise. It is also important to consider that the article itself was reviewed three years later which confirms the accuracy and efficiency of the quality of its data. Hence, not only does the author explain his reasoning but he also fosters trust in his research. This argument is further backed by an African author who explains that in 1986 US imposed sanctions on South Africa to end apartheid (racial segregation against the black community practise in South Africa). Over time, the South African government realized that this change was inevitable which therefore pressurized it into discussing the end of apartheid. (The New York Times, 2019).
Furthermore, it can be argued that imposing economic sanctions provides an opportunity of innovation and development to the target country. A Tunisian author, Farah El-Komy, expresses how sanctions placed on Iran by the West since 1979 strained the economy by “rapid decline in the value of the Iranian currency, severe trade and fiscal deficits, high inflation, and rising poverty rates.” (Al Habtoor Research Centre, 2025) Despite this, Iran was able to stabilize its economy as it “diversified its trade partnerships, capitalizing on higher global oil prices, which are expected to improve fiscal and external balances and benefit the non-oil sector.’’ (ibid). Thus, this allowed the country to develop self-reliance as it expanded into new markets. This not only improved and established international relations with non aligned countries of the US but also allowed Iran to overcome economic challenges imposed on its oil industry by the US. Moreover, the author further elaborates by stating that to attract foreign investment, “ Iran offered lucrative terms for oil and gas projects” along with “focused on developing local manufacturing capabilities to support its oil sector, reducing dependency on international suppliers.” (ibid). Thus, she explains how these measures have enhanced economic growth and social welfare, therefore, highlighting how Iran’s adaptability underscores its determination (ibid). Furthermore, El-Komy also mentions how the country expanded its global arms industry to combat these sanctions. That is, 5000 companies have collaborated with Iran to innovate cost-effective ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (ibid) which allowed the local industry to flourish and reduce dependence on international suppliers. This argument is rational and coherent as it logically explains the ways and methods countries can combat the effects of economic sanctions which, in other words, indicates that this tool is an opportunity to allow the target country to further extend its trade and alliances. Other than being a research assistant in the Economics and Energy Programme at Al-Habtoor Research Centre, the author has experience in private sector development, financial modeling, and investment. She also holds a B.A. in Economics from The British University in Egypt and London South Bank University. Thus,El-Komy’s relevant expertise clarifies the authenticity of the evidence and data presented.
This idea is further enhanced by an article published on a European website that elaborated on Russia’s response to US secondary sanctions on non-U.S. global financial institutions. That is, “ Russia has recently adopted a new law expanding and promoting international trade in cryptocurrencies.” (GIS, 2024). This innovative policy has allowed Russian businesses to trade without the fear of US sanctions as cryptocurrencies have become more widely acceptable. Along with this, the central bank has also issued digital Rubles which can be used to purchase goods domestically and perhaps internationally in future (ibid). This website employs worldwide, knowledgeable authors, making the article even more well grounded. Prior to this essay, I believed that economic sanctions did more good than harm due to the positive connotation it had. While this is true to an extent, after assessing the information I have researched, I now believe that the disadvantages of economic sanctions outweigh the advantages. The idea that these sanctions encourage self reliance and promote global peace is flawed. This is because sanctions restrict access to the necessary resources and investment needed by the target counties to develop innovative ways to combat the harmful effects. Moreover, economic sanctions also have a very limited effect in changing the policy of target countries. That is, in many cases, the authoritarian regimes either pass on the burden to the general population or surrender years later. I hope to further expand my knowledge through comprehensive analysis on various types of sanctions and their differing impacts. This will allow me to evaluate which forms of sanctions are most effective in a specific context, ultimately guiding my future decisions on strategic use of economic sanctions.
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