Coordinating Multilateral Sanctions Regimes

Coordinating Multilateral Sanctions Regimes

Hey there! Sanctions are a complex topic, with lots of moving parts. Let’s break it down together in a simple, conversational way.

Sanctions are basically penalties that countries put on other countries, groups, or individuals to try to influence their behavior. They can include things like trade restrictions, asset freezes, and travel bans.

The goal is usually to get the sanctioned party to change their policies or actions. For example, sanctions on North Korea aim to get them to end their nuclear weapons program. Sanctions on Russia want them to stop their aggression in Ukraine.

But here’s the thing – sanctions are most effective when multiple countries team up together. Going it alone rarely works that well.

Why Coordinate Sanctions?

There are a few key reasons why coordinating sanctions in a multilateral way is so important:

• More economic pressure – If it’s just one country sanctioning, the impact is limited. But if major economies like the EU, US, UK all sanction together, that’s real economic muscle.
• Prevent sanctions busting – If only some countries sanction, the target can just trade with non-participating countries to avoid the sanctions.
• Legitimacy – Multilateral sanctions show wider international condemnation, rather than just one country’s foreign policy.

Some historical examples help illustrate this:

• South Africa – Anti-apartheid sanctions in the 1980s were impactful because they were coordinated between Western countries.
• Iraq – UN sanctions on Iraq in the 1990s were quite effective since they had broad participation.
• Iran – EU and US sanctions brought Iran to the negotiating table over its nuclear program.

On the flip side, unilateral sanctions by just one country rarely accomplish much:

• Cuba – The long-running US embargo hasn’t led to regime change.
• Russia – Western sanctions over Crimea haven’t reversed their annexation.

Challenges of Multilateral Sanctions

As you can see, getting multiple countries on board is ideal. But it’s not always so easy in practice. Here are some of the tricky parts of coordinating sanctions:

• Diverging interests – Countries have different foreign policy goals and economic ties. Building consensus is hard.
• Free rider problem – Some countries want the benefits of sanctions without participating themselves.
• Costs – Sanctions have economic costs, and countries don’t want to hurt their own economies.
• Implementation – Even when agreed, varying legal structures make coordinated implementation complex.

Let’s look at some real world examples:

• North Korea – China and Russia resist tough multilateral sanctions.
• Syria – Russia and China vetoed UN Security Council resolutions.
• Venezuela – US sanctions aren’t matched by other countries.

You can see how geopolitics get in the way of coordination. Rivalries between major powers, diverging regional interests, economic ties, and other factors prevent unified action.

How to Improve Sanctions Coordination

Given these challenges, what can be done to improve multilateral sanctions efforts?

• UN Security Council – Get UNSC approval when possible for legitimacy, even if sanctions are weaker.
• Regional blocs – EU, ASEAN, and others sanctioning as a group amplifies impact.
• Carrots and sticks – Offer incentives for countries to join the sanctions effort.
• Gradual escalation – Start small and increase pressure over time to build consensus.
• Flexibility – Allow countries to implement sanctions according to their own laws and procedures.
• Communication – Extensive diplomatic outreach and coordination mechanisms help alignment.

At the end of the day, every situation is unique. But in general, taking a patient, pragmatic approach to building broad coalitions pays off when trying to make multilateral sanctions work.

The key is recognizing that we live in an interconnected world. Countries working together in a spirit of compromise and understanding is always more effective than going it alone.

Sanctions might seem technical and dry, but they impact real lives and livelihoods. That’s why thoughtful, ethical, and coordinated sanctions matter – especially when trying to resolve thorny issues of war and peace.

What do you think? How can the international community design sanctions that are both impactful and ethical? I’d love to hear your thoughts and have a conversation!

References

[1] International Institutions and Economic Sanctions – Discusses the need for multilateral cooperation in sanctions regimes.

[2] Sanctions, Peacemaking and Reform: Recommendations for U.S. Policymakers – Examines the use of sanctions and the importance of coordination with allies.

[3] Secretary General Remarks on Sanctions – Criticizes unilateral sanctions and calls for inclusive multilateralism.

[4] How to sanction international wrongdoing? The design of EU restrictive measures – Analyzes factors influencing the design of EU sanctions regimes.

[5] Can You Sanctions-Proof a Government? – Discusses how coordination with partners impacts sanctions effectiveness.

[6] Sanctions Explained: How a Foreign Policy Problem Becomes a Sanctions Program – Explains how coordination with allies factors into sanctions deliberations.

Coordinating sanctions between allies is crucial, but even close partners don’t always see eye-to-eye. For example, the US and EU have clashed over sanctions on Russia:

• The US pushed for sanctions on Russian energy exports, but the EU resisted given Europe’s heavy dependence on Russian oil and gas.[1]
• They’ve also differed over banning Russian banks from SWIFT or sanctioning oligarchs.[2]
• EU sanctions tend to target sectors, while US sanctions name specific entities and individuals.[3]

These transatlantic divisions demonstrate the challenges of alignment, despite largely shared interests and values. Even among partners, economic ties, energy security, and domestic politics constrain cooperation.

Looking ahead, greater EU strategic autonomy could make sanctions coordination more difficult. As the EU moves to reduce reliance on the US for defense and security, it may chart a more independent sanctions policy as well.[4]

Ultimately, effective multilateral sanctions require flexibility and compromise between allies. Rather than seeking perfect agreement upfront, starting small and ratcheting up pressure can help build consensus over time.

References

Sanctions are effective—if used correctly – Argues sanctions can be an effective foreign policy tool if designed and implemented properly.

U.S.-EU Sanctions Coordination Related to the Ukraine War – Examines differences in US and EU approaches to sanctioning Russia over Ukraine.

EU sanctions help shut down key Russia banks – Discusses impact of EU sanctions on Russian financial institutions and differences with US approach.

Transatlantic tensions flare over new Russia sanctions – Highlights disagreements between US and EU over energy sanctions on Russia.