Liberal Hegemony (7) Sanctions

After the failure of many efforts to bring change by military force, the remaining Liberal Hegemonists have fallen back on economic sanctions to force social and political change in other nations. This is surprising, because the record of economic sanctions in bringing about real economic and political change is fairly poor. The problem is that sanctions punish nations. Nationalism means that sanctions actually strengthen the resolve of the nation to resist external pressure.

Ruthless and dishonest people with control over economic resource find ways to get around sanctions. The government empowers these corrupt people to do deals that avoid sanctions, because it needs them to make purchases on its behalf. These oligarchs get rich and at the expense of ordinary people. However, despite hardship, the loyalty of the people to their nation and their leaders remains strong.

Economic sanctions are war by different means, so the results are often similar.

The gospel of Jesus is a more effective tool for change than military or economic power. A good society and economy is based on strong Christian faith. The gospel must come first. As faith grows, the gospel and the Spirit can transform society and the economy. Imposing social and economic change by force puts the cart before the horse.

Economic Sanctions are used by the Beast of Revelation.