LEGALITY OF UNILATERAL SANCTIONS UNDER INTERNATIONAL LAW

Abstract

Unilateral sanctions, used by powerful states to compel others without the support of multilateral organizations like the UN, have become a key instrument of foreign policy in the last several decades. “The moral, political, or strategic justifications for these actions are often strong, but the question of whether they are permissible under international law is still hotly contested. By following the interplay between unilateral sanctions and other fundamental tenets of international law—such as state sovereignty, non-intervention, and the prohibition of force—this article delves into the murky waters of their legal standing. The author delves into the question of whether governments can take such measures independently of the UN Security Council and, if so, under what conditions these sanctions can be deemed legitimate”. The purpose of this article is to examine the rule of law and the effectiveness of unilateral sanctions in international relations by reviewing pertinent legal instruments, academic debates, and case studies.