Trade Embargoes
Trade embargoes are government-imposed restrictions on commercial trade with specific countries, typically imposed as sanctions to pressure governments to change policies or behavior. They can be comprehensive (all goods) or targeted (specific sectors or items).
Real World
The US embargo on Cuba, in place since 1960, has restricted Cuba's access to medicines, technology, and foreign investment for over six decades, yet the Castro government remained in power until 2008.
Exam Focus
When assessing effectiveness, cite specific evidence of failure or unintended consequences — embargoes harming civilians is a key counter-argument examiners look for.
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