Sanctions have been referred to by the United Nations as a “tool for all seasons.” The rationale behind the imposition of economic sanctions is the hope to solve a conflict without mass suffering and other negative consequences associated with war. Thus sanctions are situated in lieu of warfare. Protagonist of sanctions perceive the measure to be a soft approach capable of compelling or pressuring an offender, mostly the government of a State to behave in line with the doctrine of the international community or the body imposing sanctions. Available empirical evidence shows that in general, sanctions have not been able to achieve its goals; instead their outcomes affect human security negatively. Against the humanitarian consequences of sanctions, the measure still maintains a favourable position in the “tool kit” of international diplomacy. Concerned by lack of sufficient understanding of the grave human suffering that arises from economic sanctions, this book seek to fill this information gap. Using Zimbabwe as a case study, this book analysis the impact of sanctions on the human rights and well-being of the civilian population, particularly their impact on the vulnerable groups within the Zimbabwean societies. Although sanctions have become a norm in international relations, this book queries the compatibility of sanctions with international humanitarian law and other human rights treaties and conventions. It serves to awaken policy makers, politico-socio-economic analysts, researchers and global citizens on how sanctions violate basic human rights of civilians and put their well-being and social mobility in stagnant danger.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- GENERAL INTRODUCTION
- Research Problem
- Objectives of study
- Research questions
- Methodology
- Chapter Arrangements
- AN INTRODUCTION TO SANCTIONS AND SANCTION REGIMES
- Introduction
- History of sanctions
- Definitions of sanction
- Types of sanctions
- Comprehensive sanctions
- Targeted sanctions
- Major challenges of UN targeted Economic Sanctions
- Arms embargoes
- Restrictions on admission (Visa or travel ban)
- Unilateral sanctions
- Economic sanctions
- The basis for economic sanctions in the UN Charter
- The purposes of economic sanctions
- Coercion
- Punishment
- Symbolism
- Signalling
- Characteristics of UNSC economic sanctions
- Binding and supreme
- Politics and self-interest
- Media driven
- Ambiguity in UNSC economic sanctions
- Counting successes and failures; argument of the sanctions advocates
- Employing sanctions as a tool of regime change
- Economic Sanctions as neo-colonialism
- Major criticisms of UNSC Sanctions
- Ethical dilemma
- Double standards
- Missing legal and constitutional concept
- Lack of effectiveness
- Economic Sanctions: changing perceptions and euphemisms
- Brief history of the debate on economic sanctions
- Economic sanctions debate in the 1930's
- Economic sanctions debate in the 1960's to 80's
- Economic sanctions debate after 1990
- How economic sanction goals are achieved
- The mechanisms of economic sanctions
- Understanding the real targets of economic sanctions
- A review of the euphemisms of sanctions
- Target State
- Coalescing a population with its leader
- The concept of “Collateral” effects
- Humanitarian exemptions
- Economic sanctions: theoretical considerations
- Comments and opinions on the determination and use of sanctions
- THE POSITION OF INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LAW AND THE ROLE OF THEORIES
- Introduction
- Overview of human rights
- Economic and social rights
- Civil and political rights
- Right to life
- Right to freedom from torture
- Right to an effective remedy
- The right to development
- The US objection to the right to development
- Economic sanctions and human rights protection
- Limits of economic sanctions under the UN Charter
- Limits of economic sanctions under international law
- Unilateral sanctions in international law
- Human rights and State(s) responsibility
- Theories of international relations and States interaction
- Realism theory
- Liberalism theory
- Institutionalism theory
- Hegemonic stability theory
- Balance of power theory
- Constructivism theory
- Democratic peace theory
- A critique of democratic peace theory
- Cosmopolitanism theory
- New war theory
- Imperialism theory
- Dependency theory
- SANCTIONS; FROM RHODESIA TO ZIMBABWE
- Introduction
- Southern Rhodesia: An “ideal” target of UN economic sanctions?
- A brief historical overview of Rhodesia
- The use of suppressive racist policies
- Unilateral declaration of independence (UDI); followed by sanctions
- The UN economic sanctions
- Self-determination in context
- Initial difficulties faced by sanctions
- Sanctions breaches by Portugal and South Africa
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This research aims to examine the impact of US and EU sanctions on the rights and well-being of Zimbabweans. It explores the historical context, legal framework, and practical implications of these sanctions, focusing on their impact on various aspects of Zimbabwean life.
- The historical development and evolution of sanctions regimes, particularly in the context of Zimbabwe.
- The legal framework governing sanctions and their compatibility with international human rights law.
- The multifaceted effects of sanctions on the Zimbabwean population, encompassing economic, social, and political dimensions.
- The ethical considerations and potential unintended consequences of sanctions.
- The role of international actors and organizations in shaping the sanctions debate and addressing their humanitarian implications.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The first chapter provides a general introduction to the research, outlining the research problem, objectives, questions, methodology, and chapter arrangements. Chapter two delves into the history, definitions, types, and rationale behind sanctions, particularly economic sanctions. It examines the basis for economic sanctions in the UN Charter, the purposes of such sanctions, and their characteristics. The chapter also explores the ambiguities and criticisms surrounding UNSC economic sanctions, including ethical dilemmas, double standards, and concerns about their effectiveness. Chapter three focuses on the position of international human rights law and the role of theories in understanding the impact of sanctions on human rights. It discusses the different types of human rights, the right to development, and the limits of economic sanctions under international law. The chapter also examines various theories of international relations, including realism, liberalism, institutionalism, hegemonic stability theory, balance of power theory, constructivism theory, democratic peace theory, cosmopolitanism theory, new war theory, imperialism theory, and dependency theory. Chapter four delves into the specific case of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, tracing their origins in Rhodesia and their evolution over time. It examines the historical context, the rationale behind the sanctions, and their impact on the Zimbabwean population.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This research focuses on the impact of US and EU sanctions on Zimbabwe. Key concepts include economic sanctions, targeted sanctions, human rights, international law, international relations theories, Zimbabwean politics, and the history of sanctions.
- Quote paper
- Masters Chidiebere C. Ogbonna (Author), 2015, Politics of sanctions. Impact of US and EU sanctions on the rights and well-being of Zimbabweans, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/302252
