There has been a recent surge in sanctions imposed by Western nations and regional organizations in response to various crises and conflicts worldwide. Two key trends have become apparent: the predominance of unilateral or regional sanctions over UN involvement, and the increasing use of targeted sanctions aimed at specific individuals, entities, or groups involved in offenses like human rights violations, corruption, or geopolitical aggression.
While such sanctions are seen as a response to the UN Security Council's inaction, they often lack clear objectives and fail to effectively deter or change the behavior of their targets. Additionally, the proliferation of selective application of sanctions risks undermining their credibility and could escalate political tensions, potentially contributing to the formation of competing geopolitical blocs reminiscent of a new Cold War era.
Read the blog published in World Politics Review here.
