Our Humanity at Stake: The Human Costs of Economic Sanctions for the Sanctioner
Hofer argues why sanctions should be understood as a form of structural economic violence, whether or not this is intended by the sanctioners. Hofer's contribution focuses on “sectoral sanctions” adopted primarily by the United States and the European Union. While concerns continue to be raised about the UNSC sanctions regime against North Korea, they are not included in this article. Hofer also does not discuss the US and EU sanctions regime against Russia. Though these measures have the potential to cause drastic consequences for the Russian population, so far the Russian economy has demonstrated resilience (much to the sanctioners’ frustration). Afterwards, Hofer argues that the violence of unilateral sectoral sanctions undermines the European Union and United States’ attempts to portray themselves as “normative actors”— actors that seek to uphold and enforce normative standards, such as human rights.
Recommended Citation: Alexandra Hofer, Our Humanity at Stake: The Human Costs of Economic Sanctions for the Sanctioner, 48 Fordham Int'l L.J. 1087 (2025).