6 November 1997
The Herald-Sun (Durham, N.C.)
Editorial

Trade Sanctions: Who really gets hurt

One of Congress' favorite feel-good ruses involves unilateral economic sanctions against foreign regimes that run afoul of U.S. sensibilities. Our trade embargo against Cuba is the most notorious example, but hardly the only one: The United States has unilateral sanctions in force against 74 other nations -- or about 52 percent of the world's population.

As we have said before, economic sanctions almost always hurt the poor in target countries. Political leaders don't go to sleep hungry or sick; their people do.

There are times, of course, when economic sanctions are necessary and effective. Worldwide trade sanctions against South Africa helped break the back of apartheid. Most U.S. unilateral sanctions, however, are imposed over comparatively minor issues, often to appease a senator or representative's vocal constituency back home.

However, unless certain conditions in a target country are present -- a weak economy dependent on U.S. aid, for example -- unilateral sanctions rarely work.

Opposition to sanctions span the political spectrum, from conservative to liberal. A bill introduced in the House last month by Reps. Lee Hamilton and Phil Crane requires an economic impact statement before imposing sanctions. The bill offers modest hope of getting unilateral trade sanctions under control. Congress ought to give the bill a fair hearing -- something its trade sanctions aren't exactly known for.

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