An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Sanctions as a Law Enforcement Tool in International Law: A Case Study of Zimbabwe from 2001 to 2013

Cynthia Chipanga¹, Torque Mude²

¹International Studies, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe.
²International Relations, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe.

DOI: 10.4236/ojps.2015.55031                

Abstract

The focus of this research is analysing the effectiveness of sanctions as a law enforcement tool in international law, a case study of Zimbabwe from 2001 to 2013, to analyse the extent to which sanctions are effective in compelling the behaviour of the targeted ZANU PF elite. The conclusion drawn from this research was that sanctions were not effective in compelling the behaviour of the targets as they strengthened their undemocratic practises and human rights violations. Moreover, the lack of a comprehensive nature of sanctions led the targeted circumventing the restrictions, as there was room for other alternative options. In addition, sanctions ended up hurting the innocent civilians, thereby violating international law.

Keywords

Sanctions, Effectiveness, Zimbabwe, International Law, Law Enforcement

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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