Economic Sanctions: An Overused Instrument of U.S. Power

摘要

This study assesses the effectiveness of U.S. economic sanctions, focusing on the imposition of economic sanctions on Iraq, Cuba, and Panama. The study has two objectives: To identify characteristics common to most successful economic sanctions and to examine and assess the U.S. economic sanctions imposed on Cuba, Iraq, and Panama. The purpose of the study is to determine the utility of sanctions in support of current U.S. national strategy, given the emergence of globalization and coalition politics. U.S. leaders should seriously consider our varied political, diplomatic, intelligence, economic, military, and cultural tools that support our foreign policy. Avoiding over-reliance on sanctions, which may have become a relatively obsolescent instrument of power will be key.