Embargo

Definition

An embargo is an official ban on trade or commercial activity with a particular country or group. Unlike targeted sanctions, embargoes are typically broad in scope and may restrict all imports, exports, or both. Arms embargoes are among the most common, prohibiting the sale or transfer of weapons and military equipment to a specific state or non-state actor. Embargoes can be imposed unilaterally by a single state or multilaterally through organizations like the United Nations. They are designed to exert economic pressure but can have significant humanitarian consequences on civilian populations.