International sanctions often aim to compel regime change by applying economic and diplomatic pressure on ruling elites. However, their effectiveness can vary widely. While sanctions may weaken an authoritarian regime's stability by crippling the economy, they can also solidify the regime's power as leaders rally nationalistic sentiments against foreign interference. In some cases, sanctions inadvertently harm civilians more than leaders, causing public discontent to be misdirected. Ultimately, the impact of sanctions depends on various factors, including the extent of international support, the resilience of the targeted regime, and the availability of alternative economic partnerships.