What Justice for Economic Sanctions?

Abstract

Post-Cold War international relations bear the mark—some might say the stigmata—of economic sanctions. From the outset, these measures appear in a favorable light, since they are perceived as a sensible alternative to war. The reason for this implicit consensus is simple: depriving people of trade seems more humane than dropping bombs. It is a positive move to outlaw the deviant from the comity of nations, rather than commit an act of aggression; it is a virtuous act, which reinforces international law. Idealism here provides the proof that its voice is enforceable in law.

It is better to conquere the enemie with faminne, then with yron: in the victorie of which, fortune maie doe much more then valiantnesse.

—Machiavelli, The Art of Warre, p. 223

Apply this economic, peaceful, silent, deadly remedy and there will be no need for force

—Thomas Woodrow Wilson, 1919

This is a very hard choice, but … we think the price is worth it.

—Madeleine Albright, when questioned on May 12, 1996 about the Iraq embargo and its humanitarian consequences