Which term describes boycotts, embargoes, and other economic measures used to pressure another country into changing its policies?

• A. Tariffs
• B. Protectionism
• C. Aid packages
• D. Economic sanctions

Answer: (D)

Economic sanctions are foreign-policy tools that use economic pressure to push another country to change its policies. They encompass actions like boycotts, embargoes, and other restrictions on trade or finance, plus measures such as freezing assets, denying access to financial systems, or limiting tech exchanges. The goal is to raise the cost of the target’s current behavior for political reasons, without resorting to military force, and to signal disapproval while attempting to compel a change in policy. Tariffs are taxes on imports and are not a focused coercive tool aimed at compelling policy change. Protectionism describes a broad approach to shielding domestic industries, not the specific tactic of pressuring another government. Aid packages are assistance offered for influence in a different way, not primarily about coercive economic pressure.