SOURCE C:
Making sanctions effective

Sanctions are a method to resolving international disputes and conflicts. However, some criticise them for not being effective because:

• those in power, in countries against which sanctions are operated, may respond by becoming more oppressive; those who oppose their rule are often targeted
• sanctions often hurt the poor and not those in power
• sanctions are not enforced consistently.

QUESTION:
With reference to Source C, discuss how sanctions could be made more effective.

The question requires using the source to suggest improvements to the use of economic sanctions. The source provides three key weaknesses. A good answer will address two of these. For example, to counter the problem of hurting the poor, one could advocate for 'smart sanctions' that target the assets of the ruling elite. To counter inconsistent enforcement, one could argue for stronger international agreements and monitoring through bodies like the UN Security Council. To counter the risk of making regimes more oppressive, sanctions could be combined with diplomatic support for opposition groups.