Current Publications

The Political Economy of Sanctions against North Korea

Author(s)

Rüdiger Frank

Abstract

This article explores sanctions as a policy tool to coerce

North Korea’s behavior, such as by discontinuing its nuclear

weapons program. It discusses the characteristics of sanctions

as well as the practical experience with these restrictions on

North Korea. It becomes clear that the concrete goals of coercion

through sanctions and the relative power of the sending

country to a large extent determine the outcome. Nevertheless,

the general limitations of sanctions also apply, including the

detrimental effects of unilateral and prolonged restrictions. It

appears that the imposition of sanctions against the DPRK is

unlikely to succeed. As an alternative way of changing the

operating environment for North Korea, assistance deserves

consideration. Despite many weaknesses, this instrument is

relatively low in cost and risk, and can be applied continuously

and flexibly.

Organisation(s)

Department of East Asian Studies

Journal

Asian Perspective: quarterly journal of regional & international affairs

Volume

Pages

5-36

No. of pages

ISSN

0258-9184

Publication date

2006

Peer reviewed

Yes

Austrian Fields of Science 2012

502027 Political economy

Portal url