International Economic Sanctions. Part 1. History and Theory

The relevance of this research lies in examining the evolution of approaches to the application of international economic sanctions at the level of nation-states and international organizations; the reasons for their increasing popularity after the end of the Cold War; and determining the conditions for their effectiveness. The study aims to analyze and synthesize information on the application of economic sanctions, compare approaches to understanding their content and purpose across different historical periods, assess their humanitarian consequences, and formulate conclusions and recommendations for both theoretical and practical purposes. The research employed a wide range of approaches and methods, including the formal-legal method, which allowed for the formulation of basic terms, concepts, features, constructs, and classifications; the historical method, which aided in analyzing the evolution of approaches to the application of economic sanctions; the systemic method, which clarified the mechanisms for imposing, modifying, and lifting economic sanctions; and the comparative legal method of scientific inquiry, which was used to evaluate approaches to the legal regulation of economic sanctions at various stages of historical development. The results of the study include determining the role of international universal organizations, particularly the League of Nations and the UN, in recognizing and enshrining economic sanctions in international law as legitimate means of inducing sanctioned states to engage in desired activities. It has been established that the consequences of applying economic sanctions are ambiguous; in addition to positive effects, they can in some cases hinder peace processes and post-conflict recovery, impede the activities of peacekeeping organizations, undermine negotiations, and exacerbate disagreements between conflicting parties. Despite the possibility of negative consequences, economic sanctions remain popular as a means of demonstrating power or the ability to influence the behavior of a sanctioned government without resorting to military conflict. To mitigate the negative impact of sanctions on peacekeeping efforts, it is recommended that initiators set clear objectives when introducing economic sanctions; conduct regular substantive reviews of their impact; and expand exceptions to sanctions for peacekeeping activities, among other measures. The consequences of economic sanctions for the sanctioned country are primarily manifested in their impact on trade conditions. It is noted that economic sanctions are not necessarily more effective in the case of multilateral sanctions than in unilateral actions. The research observes that economic sanctions affect supporters and opponents of the ruling regime in the sanctioned country differently and may, in some cases, contribute to the consolidation of society around the ruling regime. The study concludes that despite existing shortcomings, economic sanctions have become an important tool for national governments and international organizations in responding to foreign policy challenges.