First, unilateralism undermines the cooperative work that must lie at the heart of civilized international behaviour. Second, and flowing from the first precondition, we should work to develop a sanctions mechanism that attracts the broadest possible international support. Moreover, such broad consensus is likely necessary if countries are to perceive sanctions as potentially effective. Third, the burden of sanctions among countries taking such a measure should be equitably distributed. Fourth, the level of the sanction should be adapted to the nature and extent of the fault.
Proportionality is important.
Fifth, the impact of sanctions on the target country should be carefully evaluated. Finally, sanctions should be seen as only part of the solution. Sanctions alone are unlikely to change State behaviour. Having recognized the limited utility of sanctions in practice as well as the importance of sanctions as a signal that governments are serious about certain international obligations, there are many options that governments can marshall. Here there is an interesting question.