Abstract

Sanctions, which hold both the potential to influence state behavior and the risk of imposing unintended harm on civilians, have been a persistent tool of governance since the dawn of civilization. The article challenges traditional narratives that portray sanctions as a linear progression towards effectiveness. Instead, it delves deeper through a 'dual lens' historical analysis, employing a comparative approach to trace the evolution and impact of sanctions across different eras. One lens examines their development as instruments of power, exploring how power dynamics have shaped their application throughout history, alongside the evolving legal framework that governs their use. The other lens focuses on the phenomenon of unintended consequences. By tracing the use of sanctions from ancient Greece to the contemporary era, this article explores how legal norms, diplomatic practices, and interstate dynamics have influenced their effectiveness and limitations. This critical reassessment of sanctions' historical continuum — their evolution, limitations, and unintended consequences — offers valuable insights for engaging in more informed discussions about their potential applications in the 21st century.

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