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The targeting of economic sanctions

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  • Djankov, Simeon
  • Su, Meng

Abstract

We use a comprehensive dataset of economic sanctions over the past 30 years to show that US unilateral sanctions are often off the mark, while United Nations sanctions tend to be well-targeted. Sanctions that target democratic stability and conflict resolution are best correlated with their stated goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Djankov, Simeon & Su, Meng, 2025. "The targeting of economic sanctions," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 248(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:248:y:2025:i:c:s0165176525000722
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2025.112235
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Djankov, Simeon & Su, Meng, 2024. "Are U.S. sanctions off-target: Evidence from the Magnitsky act," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 242(C).
    2. Matthieu Crozet & Julian Hinz, 2020. "Friendly fire: the trade impact of the Russia sanctions and counter-sanctions," Economic Policy, CEPR, CESifo, Sciences Po;CES;MSH, vol. 35(101), pages 97-146.
    3. Tibor Besedeš & Stefan Goldbach & Volker Nitsch, 2017. "You’re banned! The effect of sanctions on German cross-border financial flows," Economic Policy, CEPR, CESifo, Sciences Po;CES;MSH, vol. 32(90), pages 263-318.
    4. Kwon, Ohyun & Syropoulos, Costas & Yotov, Yoto, 2022. "Do Sanctions Affect Growth?," School of Economics Working Paper Series 2022-6, LeBow College of Business, Drexel University.
    5. T. Clifton Morgan & Constantinos Syropoulos & Yoto V. Yotov, 2023. "Economic Sanctions: Evolution, Consequences, and Challenges," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 37(1), pages 3-30, Winter.
    6. Mirkina, Irina, 2018. "FDI and sanctions: An empirical analysis of short- and long-run effects," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 54(C), pages 198-225.
    7. Simon J. Evenett & Niccolò Pisani, 2023. "Geopolitics, conflict, and decoupling: evidence of Western divestment from Russia during 2022," Journal of International Business Policy, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 6(4), pages 511-540, December.
    8. Dai, Mian & Felbermayr, Gabriel & Kirilakha, Aleksandra & Syropoulos, Constantinos & Yalcin, Erdal & Yotov, Yoto, 2021. "Timing the Impact of Sanctions on Trade," School of Economics Working Paper Series 2021-7, LeBow College of Business, Drexel University, revised 19 Feb 2021.
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