Sanctions are economic or political penalties imposed by one country on another to influence behavior, typically in response to violations of international norms or laws. They can take the form of trade restrictions, asset freezes, or travel bans. In international politics, sanctions serve as a tool to compel nations to adhere to agreements, deter aggression, or punish actions like human rights abuses. Sanctions aim to alter the recipient country's policies without resorting to military action, often requiring careful calibration to minimize unintended humanitarian impacts while striving to achieve political objectives.