Peace through sanctions? Lessons from Cuba, former Yugoslavia and Iraq

The effects of total economic sanctions on Cuba, former Yugoslavia and Iraq are reviewed, in part from the personal experience of the author. Sanctions have no effect on the lives of the leaders, but seriously harm children, the poor, and the sick. Nutritional standards are seriously affected, and health systems suffer from insufficient supplies. A policy of stopping arms supplies to areas of tension, with other preventive measures is advocated. Ministries for the Prevention of Conflict and War are needed besides the existing Ministries of Defence.