When might a government use sanctions against another country?

The use of sanctions by a government against another country is often a strategic decision aimed at punishing or holding that country accountable for certain actions or violations. Sanctions can be applied in response to a variety of situations, including human rights abuses, violations of international law, or aggressive military actions. By imposing economic or political sanctions, the government seeks to pressure the targeted country to change its behavior or conform to specific international norms.

This approach is fundamentally about exerting influence and demonstrating disapproval of actions that are deemed unacceptable by the international community. Thus, it serves as a tool for maintaining international order and upholding justice in global relations. The effectiveness and consequences of such sanctions can vary, but the primary aim is to impose a cost on the offending nation to instigate change.