Since the end of the Cold War a new option in the decision on how to respond to threats to state security and freedom has gained popularity in foreign policy: economic sanctions. This middle course between military intervention and inaction has assumed an increasingly prominent role in many countries. The United States used sanctions against Haiti, Yugoslavia, Lybia and Iraq; the list of countries on which UN sanctions have been imposed includes embargoes against Al Quaeda, Iran, Liberia, North Korea and several more. With the emergence of an increasing demand for human rights by governments and institutions, sanctions have become a popular instrument to underscore and pressure for human rights claims.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1 Human rights as a subject of foreign policy
1.1 From a domestic to an international issue
1.2 The universalism of human rights
1.3 Enhancing a self-image and domestic factors
1.4 Summary
2. Economic sanctions as foreign policy instruments
2.1 Modes of sanctions –a definition
2.2 Purpose of sanctions
2.3 What factors make sanctions succeed or fail?
2.4 The use of sanctions to expedite human rights
3. The case of Burma
3.1. The human rights situation in Burma
3.2 Burma policies –between sanctions and aid
3.3 What has Western sanctions policy accomplished so far?
3.4 Possible explanations for its failure
3.5 Alternative approaches
Conclusion
Bibliography
Research Objectives and Themes
The paper examines the effectiveness of economic sanctions as a foreign policy tool for promoting human rights and democracy, specifically focusing on the case of Burma. It argues that such sanctions have been of limited use and often counterproductive, failing to achieve significant political or human rights improvements while imposing unnecessary hardships on the population.
- Theoretical motivations for human rights promotion in foreign policy.
- Definitions and mechanisms of economic sanctions as instruments of statecraft.
- Determinants of success and failure for economic sanctions against regimes.
- Critical analysis of Western sanction policies toward the Burmese military junta.
- Exploration of alternative strategies for engagement and long-term socio-political reform.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1. The human rights situation in Burma
Burma has been under the rule of a military regime since 1962. The military constitutes its claim to power with the need for containment of the multitudinous conflicts that are occurring in Burma at the moment. Beside the ongoing sociopolitical conflict between the military junta and the democratic movement, a number of multi-factional minority disputes exist. The policy of the military is formed by confrontation and strict refusal of dialogue or diplomatic efforts. The civilian population of Burma is not spared by this attitude of confrontation, as could be witnessed when the non-violent protest were radically put down by the military in 2007.
The military regards itself in a permanent state of war, therefore fighting its political opponents with militant instruments. According to Amnesty International, the Burma regime has committed several crimes against humanity during the last year, including forced evictions, the denial of humanitarian access, the detention of political prisoners, extrajudicial executions, torture, forced labor, forced displacement and enforced disappearances.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides an overview of the rise of economic sanctions in post-Cold War foreign policy and outlines the paper's thesis regarding their limited effectiveness in the case of Burma.
1 Human rights as a subject of foreign policy: Analyzes why states promote human rights internationally, discussing the shift from domestic policy to international responsibility and the role of national self-image.
2. Economic sanctions as foreign policy instruments: Defines the different modes of sanctions and examines the theoretical expectations policy makers have when using these instruments.
3. The case of Burma: Reviews the specific application of Western sanctions against the Burmese junta, evaluates their poor results, and suggests alternative, more effective engagement strategies.
Keywords
Economic Sanctions, Human Rights, Foreign Policy, Burma, Myanmar, Military Junta, International Relations, Liberal Theory, Constructivism, Democracy, Trade Embargo, Humanitarian Assistance, Political Change, Diplomatic Isolation, Critical Engagement
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research focuses on the efficacy of using economic sanctions as a primary tool to coerce regimes into improving human rights and democratic standards, with a detailed analysis of the Burmese case.
Which thematic areas are covered?
It covers the history of human rights as an international issue, the theoretical underpinnings of why states use sanctions, factors contributing to sanction success or failure, and the specific failure of Western policies toward Burma.
What is the primary research question?
The primary question is whether economic sanctions are an appropriate and effective means to exert pressure on the Burmese military regime to improve the human rights situation.
Which methodology is employed?
The paper utilizes a qualitative research approach, drawing on international relations theory (specifically liberal and constructivist perspectives) and empirical evidence from Western sanction policies and human rights reporting.
What is analyzed in the main body?
The main body examines the structural conditions required for successful sanctions, the specific sanction measures imposed on Burma by Western nations, and the political responses and justifications used by the Burmese military junta.
How would you summarize the key findings in terms of keywords?
The key findings revolve around economic sanctions, human rights, policy failure, political regime types, international cooperation, and the need for alternative approaches like critical engagement.
Why does the author argue that sanctions against Burma failed?
The author argues that the necessary structural and psychological conditions for sanctions to succeed were absent, and that the junta viewed the sanctions as an "imperialistic" attack, which reinforced their isolationist stance.
What role does the 'self-image' of states play in human rights policy?
The author notes that states often pursue human rights promotion to construct a favorable national identity or moral standing in the global community, rather than purely out of a strategic desire to change a target regime's behavior.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Candy Warpole (Autor:in), 2010, Promoting Human Rights through sanctions? The Case of Burma, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/211960
