1. Theoretical and Methodological Considerations
1.2. The Tools of Economic Sanctions
Based on the literature mentioned above, this research is focused on the negative sanctions, and accordingly, the positive economic sanctions will be placed outside of the investigation.
Additionally, in the literature of economic sanctions the term “sender” attributes to the state, which appoints the sanctions and “target” or “receiver” state points out the country, which receives the deployed sanctions. The terms are used the same way in this particular thesis as well. When it comes to the term’s differentiation, it is also imperative to set the stage for explaining economic sanctions as a term.
1.2. The Tools of Economic Sanctions
The scholars of sanctions’ literature differ the sanctions in various types and characteristics.
The central division goes to unilateral and multilateral sanctions. In order to understand the nature of each, it is crucial to estimate how many individuals are involved. In the case of unilateral sanctions, they are applied by a single state, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and the Soviet Union towards a single target. 26 On the other hand, the
23 Biersteker, T., Eckert, S., & Tourinho, M. (Eds.). (2016). Targeted Sanctions: The Impacts and Effectiveness of the United Nations Action. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. P.9
24 Hufbauer G. C., Schott J. J., Elliot K. A., Oegg B., Economic Sanctions Reconsidered, 3rd ed., Washington D.C.: Institute of International Economics, May 2009 P.132
25 IBID P.132
26 Tsebelis. G., Are Sanctions Effective? A Game-Theoretic Analysis” The Journal of Conflict Resolution, Vol. 34, No. 1 (Mar. 1990) P.3
nature of multilateral sanctions is as follows: “The greater the number of countries and institutions supporting a sanctions effort, the greater the moral suasion.”27 To explain it further, in the process of multilateral sanctions, several countries consolidate together in order to enforce the sanctions towards the target state and to attain the collective outcome.
The purpose of this cooperation is too apparent; the economic pressure on the target state is so high that the goal is reached directly.28
Galtung determines three main types of sanctions: “1) diplomatic sanctions a) nonrecognition. b) Rupture of diplomatic relations c) No direct contact with political leaders d) no cooperation by international organizations 2) communication sanctions a) rupture of telecommunications b) rupture of mail contact c) rupture of transportation (ship, rail, road, air) rupture of news communication (radio, newspapers, press agencies) d) rupture of personal contacts (tourism, family visits) 3) economic sanctions a) internal destruction (economic sabotage, strikes) b) rupture of trade relations (economic boycott) (a) hitting imports to receiving nation (import boycott) (b) hitting exports from receiving nation (export boycott).”29
When describing the sanctions type, it is also important to emphasise the sanctions tools, which are proposed by A. Cooper:
1. The first tool of sanctions implies restrictions/control over the imports and exports of the receiver state. As an example of imports restrictions, the scholar brings the case of Cuba, when the U.S started to limit the sugar imports and imposed the particular quota.
2. Financial tools imply “the freezing of assets, denial of loan rescheduling or guarantees, the limiting or cutting off of military or developmental aid, as well as
27 Drezner D. W., Bargaining, Enforcement, and Multilateral Sanctions: When Is Cooperation Counterproductive? International Organization 54, 1, Winter 2000, p. 76
28 IBID p.77
29 Galtung J., “On the effects of international economic sanctions: With examples from the case of Rhodesia”, World Politics, April 1967, Vol. 19, Issue 3 p. 383
pressure on banks and international financial organisations to deny loans and debt relief.” As an example, Cooper brings Iran’s case when the U.S declined $12 billion of Iran’s assets. Aforementioned took place after Iranian students broke through the U.S embassy in Iran. According to Cooper, the reason for “terminating the aid” also can be considered when the target state starts to support international terrorism.
3. Travel bans- it can be applied on the “receiver” state’s government officials or on the society. Travel ban can be the harsh hit on the target state’s economy because it can directly influence tourism. As an example, he brings the U.S travel embargo on Cuba, which impacted the flights between the mentioned states. 30
The instruments mentioned above of economic sanctions define not only the nature of the sanctions but the purposes and the impacts as well.
Additionally, Wallensteen proposes the sanctions typology, which is mainly concentrated on the negative side of- as he defines- “value-depriving” activity from the sender state to the target state.
1. Economic warfare- This option implies the military and all sort of financial measures, which can motivate pressing destruction of the target state’s economy.
2. Economic sanctions- In this particular part, Wallensteen implies trade embargos between the states. However, it can exclude the use of military force.
3. Specific economic actions- it can include concrete measures which one state impose towards another state: Depreciation of financial aid, arms embargoes. These actions are actively used during international disputes.
4. Tariff wars- It considers regulations on the import and export of the target state as well as the implemented changes of tariffs. 31
30 Drury A. C., Economic sanctions and presidential decisions, models of political rationality, New York 2005, p.13
31 Wallensteen P., Characteristics of Economic Sanctions”. Peace Research Seminar, Uppsala University and International Peace Research Institute, Oslo P.248
Wallensteen defines two types of sanctions in the framework of “expressivity” and
“fundamentality,” which have different consequences in the end. The purpose of the first type is to “achieve complete surrender by the receiver” and in the case of the second type- it occurred in the period of inter-war. However, it can be considered as a “forgotten,” because of the first type.32