Sanctions and International Law

Abstract

The focus of our deliberations today is on the economic measures directed against Cuba. With your indulgence, I propose to inquire about the larger question of the circumstances under which it may be lawful to use coercive economic measures against others. For the next half hour, looking toward the future, let us think through the international law that should regulate the application of intense coercions whether applied by the organized community against a targeted state or by one state against another state without the authorization of a competent international organization. This should enable us to make assessments about all or parts of the Cuban Embargo, and more generally, to consider the circumstances under which this extremely complex and destructive instrument should be used in the future.