How do economic sanctions during conflict affect poverty levels?

Economic sanctions during conflict can exacerbate poverty levels by disrupting trade and limiting access to resources.

Economic sanctions are a tool used by countries or international organisations to exert pressure on a particular nation to change its policies or behaviours. They often involve trade restrictions, asset freezes, and other financial penalties. However, these measures can have a significant impact on poverty levels within the targeted country.

Firstly, sanctions can disrupt trade, leading to shortages of essential goods and services. This can result in increased prices, making it harder for people, especially those already living in poverty, to afford basic necessities such as food, medicine, and fuel. For instance, the sanctions imposed on Iraq in the 1990s led to severe shortages of food and medicine, contributing to a rise in malnutrition and disease.

Secondly, sanctions can limit a country's access to international financial markets and foreign aid. This can lead to a decrease in public spending, affecting areas such as healthcare, education, and social services, which are crucial for poverty reduction. For example, the sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe have been blamed for exacerbating the country's economic crisis, leading to hyperinflation and widespread poverty.

Thirdly, sanctions can lead to job losses and reduced incomes, as businesses struggle to cope with the lack of access to foreign markets and capital. This can increase unemployment and underemployment, pushing more people into poverty. The sanctions on Iran, for instance, have led to a sharp contraction in the country's oil industry, a major source of employment and government revenue.

However, it's important to note that the impact of sanctions on poverty can vary depending on a range of factors, including the nature and duration of the sanctions, the resilience of the targeted economy, and the effectiveness of the government's response. Moreover, while sanctions can exacerbate poverty in the short term, they can also potentially lead to policy changes that improve economic conditions and reduce poverty in the long term. Therefore, the relationship between economic sanctions and poverty is complex and multifaceted.