Are Sanctions a Modern Weapon of Global Oppression?

In the evolving narrative of global power dynamics, sanctions have become a pivotal tool of modern imperialism. Unlike traditional warfare, sanctions operate silently, targeting nations’ economies and societies from within, with devastating consequences. Sara Flounders, a renowned anti-imperialist activist and co-director of the International Action Center, provided an incisive analysis during her recent interview with Jadal TV. Her insights delved deep into the origins, impacts, and resistance against this economic weapon.

The Weaponization of Sanctions: A Global Siege

Sanctions are “modern sieges,” a term historically used to describe medieval blockades intended to starve cities into submission. Today, sanctions function similarly, cutting off nations from essential resources such as food, medicine, energy, and financial systems. The case of Iraq in the 1990s, where U.S.-led sanctions, following the Gulf War, led to the deaths of over half a million children within four years. These figures, cited by the United Nations, were starkly acknowledged by U.S. officials, who deemed the suffering a “price worth it.”

This ruthless strategy is not limited to Iraq. In Cuba, sanctions have prevented access to essential medical supplies, creating severe health crises. In Venezuela, they have targeted key industries, including oil, to cripple the economy. The United States openly uses sanctions as a political weapon, aiming to impose regime changes and maintain global dominance. These measures disproportionately harm ordinary citizens, causing famine, disease, and economic despair, while being marketed as “humane alternatives” to war.

A Tool of Domination and Propaganda

Sanctions do not operate in isolation; they are accompanied by intense propaganda campaigns. Western media often blames the sanctioned governments for the resulting economic hardships, branding them as corrupt or inept. This narrative not only undermines public confidence within these nations but also justifies the sanctions to global audiences.

For example, in Zimbabwe, sanctions imposed by the U.S. and its allies were presented as punitive measures against corruption under President Robert Mugabe. However, these sanctions were designed to strangle the economy and destabilize the government. This pattern has been replicated in other nations, including Iran, Venezuela, and Syria, where internal divisions are exacerbated by the West's soft power tactics, including funding opposition groups and influencing media narratives.

A Historical Context: Sanctions as a Prelude to Invasion

The use of sanctions as precursors to military action is not new. Let's see how sanctions on Iraq in the 1990s set the stage for the 2003 U.S.-led invasion. After devastating Iraq’s infrastructure through sanctions, the invasion became the next step in the broader strategy of recolonization. The U.S. and its allies sought not only to overthrow Saddam Hussein but also to seize control of Iraq’s vast oil reserves.

A similar strategy has been employed in Syria, where sanctions have compounded the effects of war. Following the 2023 earthquake that struck both Turkey and Syria, international aid flooded into Turkey, while Syrian aid was obstructed due to sanctions. Even humanitarian organizations faced restrictions in delivering basic supplies, illustrating how sanctions perpetuate suffering under the guise of geopolitical strategy.

Global Resistance and the Decline of U.S. Hegemony

While sanctions remain a powerful tool, the global response to them is shifting. We may identify the emergence of alternative alliances, such as BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Belt and Road Initiative. These platforms have facilitated trade and cooperation among sanctioned nations, bypassing traditional Western-dominated financial systems like the U.S. dollar.

Russia’s response to Western sanctions following the Ukraine conflict is a case in point. Western leaders, including President Joe Biden, predicted that sanctions would cripple the Russian economy and lead to political collapse. Instead, Russia has redirected its trade to the Global South, strengthening economic ties with China, India, and other BRICS nations. Flounders emphasized that this shift marks a critical juncture in the decline of U.S. economic hegemony.

In Iran, similar changes are underway. Despite decades of crippling sanctions, Iran has strengthened its alliances with China and Russia, joined BRICS, and diversified its oil exports. While internal factions in Iran continue to advocate for rapprochement with the West, the nation's economic survival increasingly depends on its integration into a multipolar world order.

The Multipolar World: A New Hope?

We may notice already and optimism about the gradual decline of U.S. dominance and the rise of a multipolar world. We may take note of  China’s Belt and Road Initiative as a transformative project that contrasts sharply with Western exploitation. Unlike the IMF and World Bank, which impose crippling debts on developing nations, China invests in infrastructure, such as railroads, ports, and hospitals, offering long-term benefits.

Critics often accuse China of engaging in “debt-trap diplomacy,” but we must dismiss these claims as propaganda. We must note that over 80% of African nations’ debt is owed to Western banks, not China. Furthermore, Chinese loans come with lower interest rates and focus on development rather than perpetuating dependency.

Solidarity as a Weapon Against Sanctions

One of the most powerful tools in resisting sanctions is solidarity. The work of the Sanctions Kill campaign, which unites activists from various countries to raise awareness about the devastating impacts of sanctions. By sharing strategies and building networks, these activists challenge the Western narrative and promote cooperation among sanctioned nations.

This solidarity is also evident on the ground. In Yemen, grassroots resistance has disrupted shipping routes to Israel. In Morocco, mass protests have blocked ports to prevent goods from reaching Israel, even in a nation aligned with Western powers. These actions demonstrate the power of collective resistance in challenging imperialism.

Lessons for the Future

We may conclude with a call for vigilance and activism. While the decline of U.S. hegemony offers new opportunities, it also comes with challenges. Sanctioned nations must continue to build resilient economies, forge alliances, and resist internal divisions fueled by Western interference.

We should be warned against complacency, citing the U.S.'s persistent efforts to divide and destabilize nations. However, there is hope that the growing cooperation among countries in the Global South would pave the way for a more equitable and just world order.

As the world transitions into a new era, the fight against sanctions represents not just a battle for economic survival but also a broader struggle for sovereignty, dignity, and freedom.

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