Iowa International Relations Practice Exam

Economic sanctions, while often intended to pressure a target country to alter its behavior, can have a range of unintended negative outcomes. One significant outcome is the potential for fostering corruption within the target nation. When sanctions limit access to international markets and economic resources, individuals within the government or related sectors may seek alternative means to obtain resources or maintain their power. This creates an environment where illicit activities, bribes, and favoritism thrive, as officials and business leaders may engage in corrupt practices to circumvent sanctions or to benefit from black-market dealings.

The isolation that sanctions impose can diminish accountability in governance, as the usual checks and balances may weaken due to a lack of legitimate economic activity and oversight. Thus, the environment can deteriorate, leading to increased corruption rather than achieving the desired reforms or behaviors from the sanctioned entity.

In contrast, increased foreign investments, stabilization of economies, and promotion of peace would not typically be associated with economic sanctions; instead, sanctions can create further economic instability and conflict, both within the sanctioned state and potentially in the broader region.