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The targeting of economic sanctions

Author

Listed:
  • 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," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 127240, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:127240
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    File URL: https://researchonline.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/127240/
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ohyun Kwon & Costas Syropoulos & Yoto Yotov, 2022. "Do Sanctions Affect Growth?," School of Economics Working Paper Series 2022-6, LeBow College of Business, Drexel University.
    2. Constantinos Syropoulos & Gabriel Felbermayr & Aleksandra Kirilakha & Erdal Yalcin & Yoto V. Yotov, 2024. "The global sanctions data base–Release 3: COVID‐19, Russia, and multilateral sanctions," Review of International Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(1), pages 12-48, February.
    3. 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.
    4. Crozet, Matthieu & Hinz, Julian & Stammann, Amrei & Wanner, Joschka, 2021. "Worth the pain? Firms’ exporting behaviour to countries under sanctions," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 134(C).
    5. 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.
    6. 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.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • F51 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - International Conflicts; Negotiations; Sanctions
    • F53 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - International Agreements and Observance; International Organizations
    • H56 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - National Security and War
    • K33 - Law and Economics - - Other Substantive Areas of Law - - - International Law
    • O19 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - International Linkages to Development; Role of International Organizations

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