How Economic Sanctions Work
The gist
Economic sanctions are measures taken by countries to restrict trade, financial transactions, or other economic activities with a target country or group to influence their behavior.
Explain like I'm 5
It's like when you don't share your toys with a friend until they agree to play nicely; countries stop trading or sharing money to encourage better behavior.
Big picture
Sanctions are tools used in international relations to pressure governments or groups without using military force, aiming to promote political or humanitarian goals.