Archive · 23 Jul 2025
Study: Sanctions Can be as Deadly as Armed Conflict
Imagine countries are having a disagreement.
Sometimes, instead of fighting, they use sanctions, which means they stop trading or doing business with each other.
A new study says that these sanctions, especially those made by the U.S. and Europe, might be causing as many deaths as wars do.
They found that these sanctions can stop people from getting medicine or food, which is especially bad for young kids.
Some people think the study is right, and sanctions can be very harmful, while others disagree, saying that sanctions are meant to change how countries behave and allow humanitarian aid to go through.
A new study suggests sanctions can cause as many deaths as armed conflict.
Unilateral sanctions by the U.S. and EU are linked to over 560,000 deaths annually.
The study found that sanctions disproportionately affect children under five years old.
Researchers analyzed mortality rates in 152 countries between 1971 and 2021.
Experts debate the impact of sanctions, with some questioning the study's conclusions.
- Who
- Researchers analyzed the impact of sanctions.
- What
- A study found that sanctions, especially those imposed by the U.S. and EU, are associated with high mortality rates.
- When
- The study looked at data from 1971 to 2021.
- Where
- Worldwide, across 152 countries.
- Why
- To determine the effect of sanctions on mortality rates.
Researchers and Advocates
Sanctions Lawyers and Authorities
Impact of Sanctions
Researchers and Advocates
Sanctions have adverse effects on human life.
Sanctions Lawyers and Authorities
Sanctions are tools for implementing foreign policy and promoting American values, including humanitarian work.
Effectiveness of Humanitarian Aid
Researchers and Advocates
Sanctions hinder humanitarian efforts.
Sanctions Lawyers and Authorities
Humanitarian groups can still work effectively in sanctioned countries.
- Study Publication
- The Lancet Global Health journal
- Deaths linked to unilateral sanctions
- Over 560,000 annually
- Focus of Sanctions
- U.S. and EU unilateral sanctions
- Age Group Disproportionately Affected
- Children under five
- Timeframe Studied
- 1971-2021