Economic sanctions are punitive measures imposed by one country or group of countries on another to influence behavior, often in response to violations of international law or human rights. These sanctions can include trade restrictions, asset freezes, or travel bans. While they aim to pressure governments to change policies, they can also have severe humanitarian impacts, affecting civilians' access to food, healthcare, and other essential services. The effectiveness of sanctions is debated, as they can sometimes lead to unintended consequences, such as increased nationalism or black market activities.