Force short of war
Sanctions are the primary U.S. tool against adversaries when military options are off the table.
In plain English
Pressuring countries by cutting off money.
Sanctions are how the U.S. punishes or pressures foreign governments without using force — cutting them off from money, markets, or technology.
Simple example
After the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. and allies froze Russian central-bank assets and cut major Russian banks off from global payments.
Why it matters
What the term actually changes.
Costs both ways
Sanctions can raise prices at home, strain alliances, and push targeted countries toward alternative financial systems.
How it works
The mechanics, in practice.
Designation
The President (often via Treasury's OFAC) or Congress designates targets — countries, companies, or individuals.
Enforcement
U.S. persons and banks must freeze targeted assets and refuse transactions; violators face fines and prosecution.
Secondary reach
Secondary sanctions threaten foreign firms that do business with targets, extending U.S. leverage worldwide.
Related guide
Should the U.S. restrict trade with China for national-security reasons?
A look at the tools, stakes, and trade-offs behind U.S. economic policy toward China.
Read the guide → Related issue brief
Should the U.S. restrict trade with China for national-security reasons?
Lawmakers and economists are divided over how far Washington should go in limiting commerce with Beijing to safeguard sensitive technologies and supply chains.
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Should the U.S. restrict trade with China for national-security reasons?
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