VOA News - Sanctions - How Effective Are They?

Sanctions - How Effective Are They?

Sanctions are frequently used by the United States and the international community to influence the behavior of other countries. In this series, VOA looks at their effectiveness - where they've been a success or failure, what the process is, and what alternatives there might be.

aptn saddam justice judges eng 150 15dec03.jpg

Do Sanctions Work? Audio Clip Available

The U.S. has long used economic sanctions to try to pressure other countries to change their behavior. How well have these measures worked?

A shoe repair vendor in Burma waits for customers (File)

Experts: Sanctions Partially Successful as Diplomatic Tool Audio Clip Available

Armed Burmese security forces march down streets of downtown Rangoon, 27 Sep 2007

Sanctions Often Fail to Hit Foreign Policy Targets Audio Clip Available

Economic Rewards Obtain Better Results Than Sanctions, Some Experts Say

Imposing Sanctions Is Easy, Making Them Work Is Harder Audio Clip Available

For More Information on Sanctions:

U.N. Security Council Sanctions Committee

U.S. Energy Sanctions

Global Policy Forum