Module description
The module explores the international political economy of sanctions in the constantly changing context of economic warfare and geopolitical rivalry. The aim is to investigate various theoretical approaches to sanctions and to apply those to case studies (e.g. Iran, North Korea, Russia, China, Venezuela, Cuba, Iraq, etc.). Sanctions are analysed with reference to wider political debates over essential topics, such as national security, state sovereignty, economic warfare and sustainability, legality and legitimacy. The plurality of visions is explored by listening to alternative voices and narratives. By counterposing the justifications for the use of sanctions by sender states to diverse perspectives, expressed by the target states, as well as to increasingly heterodox views of third parties, students will develop their critical thinking, and obtain a comprehensive and holistic understanding of sanctions.
The module addresses the following questions. What are the main theoretical approaches to analysing sanctions? What are the main motives for sanctions and the mechanisms through which sanctions operate in receiving states. What are the effects of extraterritorial sanctions on international trade and global value chains? How do economic sanctions affect third parties and what are the political implications of disagreements regarding the legitimacy of extraterritorial sanctions? The impact of sanctions on global political economy will be assessed by looking at sanctions-engendered tendencies and trends in the Asia-Pacific, Europe, Eurasia, Middle East and other regions.
Assessment details
2500 word essay - 70%
Presentation - 30%
Educational aims & objectives
- Examining the core issues and debates surrounding sanctions;
- Introducing students to essential concepts and terms for the study of international sanctions; Communicating the evolving character of international sanctions from diverse perspectives, with a particular emphasis on questions of effectiveness, legality and legitimacy of sanctions, as well as the mechanisms of sanctions;
- Helping students develop academic skills, such as a) essay writing that presupposes a thorough understanding of economic sanctions literature and critical judgement; and b) delivering presentations on topics related to sanctions that implies effective communication of the most relevant content to peer students in a brief and accessible form.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the module students will:
- Have developed a broad understanding of international sanctions issues and theory, its terminology and main debates;
- Be able to begin to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to economic sanctions and related policy areas;
- Have developed collaboration , organisation, communication and other practical, academic and interpersonal skills,
- Have begun to reflect upon their own learning, becoming aware of their own capabilities and engaging in development activity through guided self-direction;
- Have demonstrated awareness of the ethical issues inherent to the study of international sanctions, and relate these to personal beliefs and values.
Teaching pattern
The module is taught through a combination of weekly lectures and seminars. The seminars will provide the opportunity for students to take the lead, present material of their own, and to ask and to answer questions from fellow students. The subject of each seminar, whilst broadly following the outline of the lectures (which are intended, as much as anything, to supplement the seminars, not the other way around), will be determined by the seminar leader with whom students should also consult about their assessed work. The seminars also provide students with an opportunity to practice and develop their oral presentation skills, to raise general questions in a relatively small group and to get feedback on their essay-writing and seminar performance.