ABSTRACT
This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part reviews theories of economic pressure, concentrating on unilateral actions. It highlights the individual case studies and examines similarities and dissimilarities of the cases. The cases all involved the use of unilateral economic pressure by the United States, invariably accompanied by diplomatic action. Some cases involved positive pressure and others negative threats. Economic pressure has been studied most often when the features have been multilateral, overt, and negative, for example, the use of sanctions against Italy by the League of Nations triggered by the invasion of Ethiopia, and against Rhodesia under United Nations auspices. The practice of unpublicized pressure has received little study due to the inherent difficulty in acquiring the facts. The form and degree of pressure chosen by a policymaker depends greatly on the nature and severity of the objective.
