International Sanctions: Effectiveness, Limitations, Adverse Effects
Journal: Revue d économie financière
Year: 2026

International sanctions have become a key instrument of coercive diplomacy, making it possible to respond to breaches of international law without resorting to war. Their use has grown since the end of the Cold War, yet their effectiveness remains debatable. Sanctions fulfill a symbolic role (sending a signal), a tactical role (limiting capacities), and a strategic role (compelling a change in behavior), but their success rate remains limited and largely depends on how ambitious their goals are.