Hopelessly ineffective
Implementing sanctions is the most ideal solution to persuading a nation to follow international law. Unfortunately, when it comes to the ideals of international politics, there are many loopholes and hidden agendas. I think that we can look at the sanctions that were imposed on countries like Myanmar and Russia and notice that these countries didn’t waver from their actions. Often, it is the people of those nations that suffer the most. In Myanmar, the country shut down to any international influence, meaning that when financial technology or international humanitarian aid was needed, the people had to go without. In Russia, citizens are suffering from inflated prices on commodities.
Secondly, what I find disheartening about sanctions is that, in the end, countries will care more about their own power and economy than to stand up for what is right. In Myanmar, sanctions were lifted because the country was seemingly becoming more democratic, but it also conveniently began exporting its massive stock of resources – often at the expense of its citizens that have been removed from their land.
Therefore, as much as I want coercion through sanctions to pressure nations to follow international law, I think it rarely works and most likely benefits the major players on the international political scene.
From Ms Lili Maria
Dubai
Important tool for foreign policy
Sanctions, or other ways of ways of coercion, are used in order to provide incentives for the establishment of law, or regulations. International sanctions have become a tool of foreign policy for countries, especially the major powers, through individual sanctions or those imposed by the United Nations and the Security Council.
The effectiveness of such sanctions remain limited, though this doesn’t prevent the vulnerability of the economies of the target countries of the sentence, unless the imposition of a naval or air blockade. In this case we believe that the embargo will pay off after several months towards the goal of punishment.
The imposition of economic sanctions as a mechanism is the most important tool of foreign policies of major countries. Rather than engage in armed conflicts, as was the case in the last century. It has also become the most important dialogue tool, but some of the countries that have huge financial balances can somehow circumvent the sanctions and reduce its impact and effectiveness.
From Mr John Arthur
Abu Dhabi
Diplomatic solutions preferred
It depends on what country we are going to impose the sanctions on, but in many cases, sanctions may not work effectively for so many reasons. It could also backfire and force sanctioned nations to take a forceful action towards the sanctioning nations, which could be more or less harmful for all.
Ultimately, diplomatic solutions will be the best solution for all rather than imposing sanctions.
From Mr Qassim Abdullah
Dubai
Feeding hidden agendas
I think that implementing sanctions certainly works, but in my opinion, world powers have dual standards for different nations and issues as well. Sanctions or actions are implemented with a biased attitude and sometimes used to bargain for under the table deals. Honesty is the best policy?
From Mr C. Basharat Toor
Dubai
Breaking under pressure
Any country that gets threatened economically or in a way that it might lose an advantage to the other is willing to break under the pressure. Sanctions are put in place to break down the progress of the country and put pressure on that country, especially economically, to withdraw their actions. Unless it is during times of war, all other sanctions have an escape clause to continue trade for the deficit trade budget!
From Mr Sumeet Punjabi
Dubai
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