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1. 318d ago

   Sanctions serve to punish undesirable behaviors and promote international norms and reform, but they also run the risk of decreasing the quality of life of already-struggling innocent citizens,... moreSanctions serve to punish undesirable behaviors and promote international norms and reform, but they also run the risk of decreasing the quality of life of already-struggling innocent citizens, provoking protests that can result in further crackdowns from their government. Since sanctions do serve as an alternative to military action, I wouldn't take them off the table, but they require a lot of care to monitor the situation and apply other pressures so the strain isn't solely felt by the innocent.  Less

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2. 318d ago

   I chose "maybe" for this question because, while I believe there should be efforts to help countries improve their human rights, I don’t know enough about the logistics involved. It's important to... moreI chose "maybe" for this question because, while I believe there should be efforts to help countries improve their human rights, I don’t know enough about the logistics involved. It's important to support progress, but understanding how to do so effectively is equally essential.  Less

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3. 318d ago

   Yes, I think this is a nonstarter. Human rights violations are just that, violations of basic rights, which I believe deserve punishment through sanctions.

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4. 318d ago

   Yes! When we see things unfolding that endanger citizens, it is up to major world powers to step in, instead of using UN veto to allow tragedy to continue.

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5. 318d ago

   Yes, human rights are the most basic thing to respect.

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6. 318d ago

   I put maybe. It's important to note that oftentimes, sanctions do not truly pressure a government (especially authoritarian ones). What usually happens is that the rich authoritarian autocrats are... moreI put maybe. It's important to note that oftentimes, sanctions do not truly pressure a government (especially authoritarian ones). What usually happens is that the rich authoritarian autocrats are wealthy enough to withstand sanctions without much impact on their livelihoods. In contrast, ordinary citizens starve and lose access to essential resources. Sanctions need to be carefully thought out, and the countries implementing them cannot have ulterior motives (ie. geopolitical power, regional influence, natural resources). Many comments only mention the importance of human rights, but that isn't what the poll is asking. The real question is whether *sanctions* are the right course of action to take, and the answer is that it depends on the implementation.  Less

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7. 318d ago

   I believe that sanctions should be imposed on countries that violate human rights. It can be an effective tool for deterrence. This method puts pressure on certain countries to change their actions... moreI believe that sanctions should be imposed on countries that violate human rights. It can be an effective tool for deterrence. This method puts pressure on certain countries to change their actions and holds them accountable for human rights abuses. However, I feel like these sanctions should be accompanied by some form of monitoring or evaluation to see the impact it has on these countries.  Less

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8. 318d ago

   Yes, I believe that the international community should impose sanctions on countries who do not follow human rights. Many countries are signed onto many different treaties, one being the Geneva... moreYes, I believe that the international community should impose sanctions on countries who do not follow human rights. Many countries are signed onto many different treaties, one being the Geneva Convention, stating that they will comply with human rights laws. If a country is not complying with international law then there should be a consequence.  Less

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9. 318d ago

   I hate having to click “maybe,” but things are so blurred in nations dealing with active warfare. It’s a clash of complex, competing ideologies—each side justifying the other’s actions, creating a... moreI hate having to click “maybe,” but things are so blurred in nations dealing with active warfare. It’s a clash of complex, competing ideologies—each side justifying the other’s actions, creating a cycle of mutual validation for wrongdoing. It feels like a constant “he started it...no, he did” tit-for-tat. Sanctions, in the end, often punish the general public while allowing tyrannical leadership to flourish unchecked.  Less

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10. 317d ago

    I think we need to consider CalmMagpie’s point very carefully when we consider the effectiveness of international sanctions— when we utilize sanctions, who are we actually punishing? Usually, it’s the... moreI think we need to consider CalmMagpie’s point very carefully when we consider the effectiveness of international sanctions— when we utilize sanctions, who are we actually punishing? Usually, it’s the people at the bottom of the nation’s socioeconomic totem pole. In times of crisis, their jobs and financial protection are the first to go… and those people are often the ones suffering the human rights violations in the first place. That being said, people running nations tend to have some money in the bank (and the market), so sanctions can be motivating for the elites in a country to meet international demands. I don’t like clicking “maybe” either, but I think we should really analyze every situation we consider applying sanctions to.  Less

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