Economic sanctions impact foreign relations by exerting pressure on nations to change specific behaviors or policies. These measures can be targeted towards individuals, companies, or entire sectors, aiming to curb actions perceived as harmful, such as human rights violations or aggression. While sanctions can force governments to reconsider their actions, they may also strain diplomatic relations and disproportionately affect civilian populations. Therefore, understanding the balance of sanctions as a foreign policy tool is crucial for assessing their effectiveness and broader geopolitical implications.