Economic sanctions have been used as a tool of international statecraft for as long as there has been statecraft. This essay examines the US and UN sanctions against the Iraqi Republic from 1990 to...Show moreEconomic sanctions have been used as a tool of international statecraft for as long as there has been statecraft. This essay examines the US and UN sanctions against the Iraqi Republic from 1990 to 2003 and American led multilateral sanctions targeted against the Islamic Republic of Iran. It highlights notable and important differences in the crafting, implementation and effects of sanctions. Opening with a review of the existing academic literature on the subject of economic sanctions, the essay then outlines the history of sanctions against Iraq and Iran. The impact of the sanctions is assessed, the relative success evaluated and lessons learned for the future established.Show less
