The U.S. blacklist as an international mechanism for prevention of systematic political abuse and corruption: the case of North Macedonia

The U.S. blacklist, enacted under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (2016) and Executive Order 13818 (2017), imposes targeted sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans, on individuals and entities engaged in significant corruption or human rights abuses worldwide. In North Macedonia, systemic corruption, clientelism, and partisan polarization undermine democratization and erode public trust. This article examines the blacklist’s role as an international mechanism to address these challenges, focusing on designations of former Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, former official Sasho Mijalkov, former Deputy Prime Minister Artan Grubi, and Judge Enver Bexheti. Through a qualitative case study analyzing legal frameworks, sanction designations, and political developments, the study evaluates the blacklist’s effectiveness in promoting accountability, fostering institutional reform, and enhancing civic engagement. Findings suggest that while sanctions have disrupted corrupt networks and pressured elites, their impact is limited by inconsistent enforcement, domestic resistance, and weak local institutions. The article argues that the blacklist’s success in North Macedonia requires stronger international coordination, transparent implementation, and domestic political will. This case study offers insights into the potential and limitations of targeted sanctions in transitioning democracies, emphasizing the need for integrated anti-corruption strategies.