A government may prohibit trade with a target country as an instrument of pressure. That prohibition is an embargo. It can cover all commerce or selected goods such as arms, oil, or luxury items.

Embargoes aim to change the target’s behavior by imposing economic costs. Success depends on the breadth of participation, the availability of alternative markets, and the political resilience of the target regime. Unilateral embargoes are easier to evade than multilateral ones. Humanitarian exceptions are often carved out, though monitoring is difficult.

Historical embargoes have produced mixed results. Some contributed to negotiated settlements; others entrenched the target leadership and harmed civilian populations more than elites. Domestic industries in the sending country may also bear costs. Policymakers weigh these trade-offs against the desire to avoid military options.

An embargo is only as effective as the willingness of third parties to respect it.