The Effectiveness of Sanctions as a Tool of Coercive Diplomacy: an Analysis of the Islamic Republic of Iran Case (1979–2025)
The Effectiveness of Sanctions as a Tool of Coercive Diplomacy: an Analysis of the Islamic Republic of Iran Case (1979–2025)
Author(s): Radosław FiedlerSubject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Political Sciences
Published by: Uniwersytet im. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu
Keywords: economic sanctions; coercive diplomacy; Iran; nuclear proliferation; authoritarian resilience; Russia-Iran cooperation; sanctions evasion
Summary/Abstract: This study examines the effectiveness of economic sanctions against Iran from 1979–2025 through longitudinal case study analysis. Despite imposing substantial economic costs – including 60% reduction in oil exports (2012–2015) and 12.4% GDP contraction – sanctions failed to achieve strategic objectives. Iran’s uranium stockpile reached 408.6 kg at 60% enrichment by May 2025, demonstrating continued nuclear advancement. The Russia-Iran strategic partnership since 2022, involving $15 billion in bilateral trade and integrated payment systems, fundamentally undermined sanctions effectiveness. Findings reveal that authoritarian resilience, third-party circumvention, and geopolitical realignment limit economic coercion effectiveness, requiring fundamental revision of traditional sanctions frameworks in multipolar contexts.
Journal: Przegląd Strategiczny
- Issue Year: 2025
- Issue No: 18
- Page Range: 147-172
- Page Count: 26
- Language: English
