An Embargo is an international trade restriction imposed upon countries as a means of punishing or deterring certain objectionable policies. Embargoes are typically utilized as a form of economic sanction, which is the use of economic pressure to compel a nation to alter their actions through the withholding of trade or other benefits. Embargoes are typically imposed by a powerful nation on its rivals or adversaries, although they may also be used in the case of humanitarian crises or in response to other global issues.

The United States is a leader in the use of embargoes. Currently, U.S. embargoes bar all trade with Cuba, North Korea, Iran, and Syria. In the last few years, these embargoes have been used to punish the aforementioned nations for their controversial international policies. In addition, the U.S. has placed trade restrictions on Russia and Russian-occupied Ukraine. It is important to note that, while embargoes can be effective in deterring or punishing a country, they are not typically successful in getting them to change their behavior.

In 1973-1974, the United States faced an Arab oil embargo as punishment for its support of Israel in the Yom Kippur War. This embargo not only weakened the economies of the Arab countries involved, but also had a negative effect on the global oil supply. The embargo had a tragic and tumultuous effect on the international economy, which extended well beyond the U.S., and serves as an example of the dramatic potential impacts of embargoes.

Embargoes can be largely effective as a tool for punishing or deterring a nation from pursuing certain policies, however, it is important to note that there are significant potential impacts which can extend well beyond the countries being targeted. As such, embargoes should not be utilized lightly, but only in extreme cases or as a means of last resort.