ABSTRACT
This chapter is concerned with understanding political embargoes viewed from the systemic level. Embargoes are applied by a variety of actors in response to a host of international problems, yet often analysts view them in narrower, legal terms. An enduring tradition of commentary tends to see them as legitimate in peacetime only if they are conducted by universal organizations, that is, the League of Nations prior to World War II or the United Nations afterward. Focusing on the post-World War II era, the chapter aims to understand the changing roles of embargoes in international politics, and to add perspective to the changing global role of the chief user of embargoes, the United States. International economic influence, like international influence generally, is pursued in a systemic context. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
