Energy Sanctions and Global Politics: Economic Impacts, Strategic Adaptations, and Geopolitical Realignments
Energy sanctions have evolved into a powerful instrument of statecraft, increasingly used by
global powers to influence international behavior without direct military intervention. These
sanctions, often targeting vital sectors like oil and gas, aim to limit the economic capabilities of
adversarial states while projecting diplomatic strength. This paper delves into the broader
effects on global political realignments, international trade patterns, and systemic
vulnerabilities in energy markets. Drawing upon ten peer-reviewed academic sources, this
analysis adopts a multifaceted methodological approach—incorporating CGE modeling, GVAR
simulations, and firm-level analyses—to examine energy sanctions imposed on Russia and Iran,
as well as the repercussions experienced by the European Union and the United States. The
paper finds that while sanctions can severely impact energy-dependent economies, their
efficacy often diminishes over time due to adaptation strategies, shifting alliances, and
unforeseen global spillovers. It argues for a more nuanced, multilateral, and strategically
targeted use of sanctions to enhance their long-term effectiveness and minimize collateral
damage in a deeply interconnected world economy.