International sanctions

5. Sanctions logic and its targeting 14. 3. 2022

This week builds on the previous ones in developing our understanding of various design options for international sanctions. Based on the historical evidence from past weeks and the commentary and lecture on developing smart sanctions - the readings herein provide very good guidance for understanding what "SMART" sanctions actually entail. 

The lecture introduces several concepts not introduced in great detail in the texts to illustrate the practical "LOGICS" of what sanctions aim to achieve and how SMART sanctions are applicable within any one of those logics. The goal is to understand the fine line between combining smart sanctions and using more blanket conventional sanctions toward the same goal. 


Eriksson, M. (2016). Targeting peace: Understanding UN and EU targeted sanctions. pp. 233-247.

Woo, B., Verdier, D.  (2020). A unifying theory of positive and negative incentives in international relations: sanctions, rewards, regime types, and compliance. Econ Gov 21, 215–236.

Lucena Carneiro, C., & Apolinário, L. (2016). Targeted Versus Conventional Economic Sanctions: What Is at Stake for Human Rights? International Interactions42(4), 565–589. 

Lecture