The Economic Weapon: The Rise of Sanctions as a Tool of Modern War

In the early 20th century, economic sanctions were first used as a tool to exploit globalization and defend liberal internationalism. However, their core paradox is that they are modeled on devastating techniques of warfare, making them a form of war. This book explores how a coercive wartime tool was adopted as an instrument of peacekeeping by the League of Nations, highlighting why sanctions are widely considered a form of war and their unintended consequences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 06 January 2023
Publisher: Yale University Press

Economic sanctions have played a significant role in shaping international relations throughout the interwar period. Initially developed as a means to exploit globalization and defend liberal internationalism, these measures were intended to serve as an alternative to war. However, a profound paradox lies at the heart of economic sanctions: while they are designed to prevent conflict, they are modeled after devastating warfare techniques.

In his groundbreaking book, "The Origins of Economic Sanctions: A Global History from World War I to the Cold War," Nicholas Mulder delves into the historical trajectory of economic sanctions. Drawing on extensive archival research spanning political, economic, legal, and military domains, Mulder sheds light on how a coercive wartime tool was gradually adopted as an instrument of peacekeeping by the League of Nations.

The book traces the use of economic sanctions from the blockades of World War I to the policing of colonial empires and the interwar confrontation with fascism. Mulder highlights how these measures evolved from being tools of aggression to instruments of peacekeeping, with the League of Nations playing a pivotal role in this transition.

Through his meticulous analysis, Mulder challenges the widely held notion that economic sanctions are merely a form of economic warfare. He argues that sanctions are, in fact, a coercive wartime tool that carries unintended consequences and risks exacerbating conflicts. The book explores the political, economic, and legal dimensions of sanctions, examining how they are implemented, justified, and challenged.

Mulder's timely study provides valuable insights into why sanctions are widely considered a form of war. It sheds light on the historical roots of this development and highlights the unintended consequences that have plagued their use. The book underscores the need for a more nuanced and responsible approach to economic sanctions, one that balances the goals of peacekeeping and humanitarian intervention with the need to protect international norms and values.

In conclusion, "The Origins of Economic Sanctions: A Global History from World War I to the Cold War" is a groundbreaking work that offers a comprehensive and insightful examination of the emergence and legacy of economic sanctions. By challenging the conventional understanding of these measures, Mulder provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the use of force in international relations. This book is a must-read for policymakers, scholars, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of global politics.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300270488