Sanctions imposed by the US and EU have resulted in 38 million deaths globally since 1970.

The use of unilateral sanctions by Western powers has emerged as a controversial instrument for exerting influence over nations in the Global South. Historically, these sanctions have targeted governments that strive to establish their autonomy and assert their sovereignty, often leading to severe economic repercussions and humanitarian crises.

In the 1970s, an average of 15 countries were subjected to Western unilateral sanctions at any given time, a strategy aimed at crippling access to finance and trade in order to destabilize governments. A notable instance occurred during the presidency of Richard Nixon, when the United States imposed sanctions on Chile following the election of socialist leader Salvador Allende in 1970. These actions were described by historian Peter Kornbluh as part of an “invisible blockade” that engineered economic distress and ultimately paved the way for a U.S.-backed coup.

The application of sanctions by the U.S. and European nations has intensified over the decades. By the late 1990s and early 2000s, approximately 30 countries faced such sanctions annually. Currently, this figure has surged to over 60, predominantly affecting nations in the Global South. This uptick raises critical questions about the impact of sanctions on human life and governance in these regions.

Research has revealed that sanctions often exert a detrimental toll on civilians, exacerbating conditions such as malnutrition, lack of clean water, and shortages of essential medical supplies. The U.S. sanctions against Iraq in the 1990s serve as a poignant example, leading to widespread humanitarian crises. Similarly, more recent sanctions on Venezuela have precipitated severe economic conditions, linked to an estimated 40,000 excess deaths within a single year.

In 2023, pioneering research published in The Lancet Global Health provided a comprehensive overview of the human cost associated with sanctions from 1970 to 2021. This extensive study, led by economist Francisco Rodriguez, suggests that unilateral sanctions imposed by the U.S. and EU are correlated with a staggering 38 million deaths over the span of five decades. Notably, the impact has disproportionately affected vulnerable populations, with children and the elderly bearing the brunt of these measures.

It becomes critically important to understand that hunger and social deprivation resulting from such sanctions are often by design, reflecting a strategy to undermine governments in the Global South. For instance, historical documents indicate that U.S. sanctions against Cuba aimed to systematically weaken the nation’s economic foundations to incite political change.

In light of these findings, there is an imperative for nations in the Global South to foster greater economic independence. By bolstering South-South trade and developing new payment systems outside the Western sphere of influence, countries can mitigate the adverse effects of sanctions. Initiatives emerging from nations such as China, particularly in the realms of international payments and advanced technology, offer viable alternatives for countries seeking to navigate this complex dynamic.

Ultimately, achieving sovereignty in development is not merely a strategic necessity but a moral obligation. A world where hundreds of thousands lose their lives due to political maneuvering is untenable. It calls for a reevaluation of international relations, advocating for a more equitable and just global order.

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