Economic sanctions function as a political tool used to influence a nation's behavior by imposing restrictions on trade, investment, and financial transactions. Sanctions aim to compel governments to change policies or actions viewed as harmful or unjust, such as human rights violations or aggression. They can be unilateral (imposed by one country) or multilateral (coordinated by multiple nations). While sanctions can effectively pressure regimes, they may also have unintended consequences, disproportionately affecting civilians and potentially escalating tensions. Understanding their impact is crucial for evaluating foreign policy.