THE IMPACT OF ECONOMIC SANCTIONS AS A FOREIGN POLICY TOOL: A CASE STUDY OF IRAN AND NORTH KOREA

Oyibo, Princess Olisaebuka (2025) THE IMPACT OF ECONOMIC SANCTIONS AS A FOREIGN POLICY TOOL: A CASE STUDY OF IRAN AND NORTH KOREA. Other thesis, Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu.

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Abstract

This study explores the impact of economic sanctions on Iran and North Korea, focusing on how trade embargoes affect economic performance and how asset freezes impact the production of nuclear weapons. Using an ex post facto design grounded in the realist international relations theory and the research relies on documentary analysis of primary sources embedded within UN resolutions, IAEA reports, and literature reviews, and secondary sources embedded within policy briefs, Scholarly articles and Academic Journal Articles. Evidence shows that sanctions on trade miserably affected the economy of Iran, leading to reduced oil exports, currency devaluation, and inflation. North Korea, despite economic pressure, reacted little since it was already isolated and utilized most of its commerce unofficially. Freezing assets had failed to a great extent in the two cases, with nuclear development going on or even escalating during sanction periods. The study concludes that while sanctions may exert economic pressure, their impact in altering nuclear behavior is contingent on regime type and diplomatic incentives. The study contributes to the literature by presenting the limitations of sanctions as stand-alone tools in the search for strategic political goals. The study advocates departure from broad punitive sanctions toward targeted engagement efforts, including phased relief for compliance, increased monitoring, and humanitarian aid to reduce civilian suffering. It indicates sanctions are most effective when coupled with diplomacy, incentives, and concerted international action.

Item Type: Thesis (Other)
Subjects: J Political Science > JZ International relations
Divisions: Faculty of Arts > Faculty of Law > Faculty of Management and Social Sciences
Depositing User: Uchenna Eneogwe
Date Deposited: 29 May 2026 13:14
Last Modified: 29 May 2026 15:28
URI: http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/5678

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