America Quote by Samantha Power
“At the U.N., I routinely encounter countries that do not want to impose sanctions or even to enforce those already on the books. The hard-line sanctions skeptics have their own self-interested reasons for opposing sanctions, but they ground their opposition in claims that America uses sanctions to inflict punishment for punishment's sake.”
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Education of an Idealist” by Samantha Power, 2020
Sanctions are often resisted for self‑interest and political narratives, not just moral objections.
In simple terms: Sanctions face political and self‑interest obstacles.
Key Takeaway
Consider strategic alternatives.
Themes
politics
sanctions
international relations
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
policy
strategic
When to use this quote
- diplomatic negotiations
- human rights advocacy
- economic pressure
- multilateral agreements
Key Concepts
realpolitik
ethical dilemmas
policy implementation
Questions to Reflect On
- What non‑military tools can achieve similar goals?
- How to balance moral intent with geopolitical realities?
A Different Perspective
Sanctions may harm civilian populations.
![“We [ with Brian Mulroney and Rajiv Gandhi] went to the meeting in Canada [the 1987 Vancouver CHOGM] and I said to them there that sanctions weren't working; they were just being busted. And it did seem to me that one way that we could bring the apartheid regime down would be if we did mount an…” quote by Bob Hawke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/66c/bob-hawke-7891_apartheid_we-with-brian-mulroney-and-rajiv-gandhi_109260.jpg)
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
