Effectiveness is by far the most frequently discussed facet of sanctions and also stands for the broadest body of literature on sanctions. The reason is quite simple, criticism draws attention, and we do not agree on what makes a sanction regime effective?

Is it complete capitulation of the target? Is it partial acquiescence? Is it no side effects? Is it fair to judge sanctions by their applied goals, their actual goals, or the actual goals while taking into account the limited number of alternative options? What are the relevant metrics?

Importantly, we aim to improve the effectiveness of all sanction regimes. If that is true, should we not make them more robust and hard-hitting instead of targeting and tailoring? After reading the texts on these facets the lecture also discusses the plethora of variables that impact the effectiveness of a sanction regime and debates the relative weight and normative impact of event hose sanctions regimes we might deem ineffective.