Economic sanctions in the twilight of retorsions and countermeasures: beaten tracks or untrodden paths?

Purpose This article begins, following a brief introduction (Section I), by delineating the current landscape and underscores the inherent shortcomings (Section II). On that basis, this paper aims to delve into the principal justifications for unilateral sanctions, seeks to identify common legal ground and highlights the inconsistencies (Section III). The last part concludes and advocates for reform (Section IV). Design/methodology/approach The article is based on “classical” legal methodology and designed to assess unilateral economic sanctions in their international law framework. Findings It is crucial to establish a more disciplined framework for the use of unilateral sanctions. Originality/value The article tries to buttress the need for reform based on inconsistencies regarding the present legal context of unilateral economic sanctions.