Art of Sanctions: A View from the Field

Economic sanctions are a nonmilitary means used by states to force their prerogatives on other states, entities, and individuals. Richard Nephew's The Art of Sanctions offers a practical framework for deciding when sanctions have achieved maximum effectiveness and how to improve them. He focuses on the interplay of pain and resolve, and provides policy makers with practical guidance on how to calibrate pain and measure resolve in the service of strong and successful sanctions regimes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 12 December 2017
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Economic sanctions are a powerful tool used by states to assert their prerogatives on other states, entities, and individuals. While their use has increased in recent years, their effectiveness depends on a well-crafted strategy that responds to the specific nature and behavior of the target. In his book "The Art of Sanctions," Richard Nephew offers a comprehensive framework that goes beyond the mere design of sanctions and focuses on determining when they have achieved their maximum impact and how they can be improved over time.

Nephew, who has played a significant role in designing and implementing sanctions on Iran, draws upon his extensive experience to develop guidelines for interpreting the responses of targets to sanctions. He emphasizes the importance of considering two critical factors: pain and resolve. Pain refers to the negative consequences that a target experiences as a result of sanctions, such as economic losses, political isolation, and human suffering. On the other hand, resolve refers to the target's determination to resist, tolerate, or overcome the pain imposed by sanctions.

Understanding the interplay between pain and resolve is crucial in determining the efficacy of sanctions. Policymakers need to carefully calibrate the level of pain they impose to ensure that it is sufficient to persuade the target to change its behavior but not so severe that it leads to unintended consequences or humanitarian suffering. This requires a nuanced understanding of the target's political, economic, and social dynamics, as well as its cultural and historical context.

Nephew provides policy makers with practical guidance on how to measure and manage pain and resolve in the context of sanctions regimes. He draws upon lessons learned from sanctions on both Iran and Iraq, highlighting the successes and failures of different approaches. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a consistent and long-term strategy, building international support, and engaging with the target population to ensure that sanctions are perceived as legitimate and fair.

Furthermore, Nephew suggests that sanctions should be used as part of a broader diplomatic strategy that includes other tools such as negotiation, mediation, and coercive measures. He advocates for a more nuanced and comprehensive approach to foreign policy that takes into account the complex and multifaceted nature of international relations.

In conclusion, "The Art of Sanctions" is a valuable resource for policymakers and scholars interested in understanding and implementing effective sanctions regimes. Richard Nephew's practical framework provides a comprehensive approach to sanctions that goes beyond the mere design of sanctions and focuses on determining when they have achieved their maximum impact and how they can be improved over time. By considering the interplay between pain and resolve, policymakers can develop more effective and humane strategies for asserting their prerogatives and promoting peace and stability in the world.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 162 x 236 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231180269