Sanctions influence international relations by altering trade dynamics and diplomatic ties. Countries facing sanctions often experience economic hardship, fostering resentment and impacting their foreign policy. This can lead to realignments of alliances, as states may rally in opposition to perceived coercion. Conversely, sanctioning countries may seek to strengthen their ties with other nations to mitigate economic fallout. Overall, sanctions can lead to heightened tensions, shifts in power dynamics, and challenges to global governance structures.