---
title: "Sanctions — AP Comp Gov Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Sanctions are economic or political penalties one state imposes on another to force policy change. Key to Topic 5.2 and how Russia and Iran respond to global pressure."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-comp-gov/key-terms/sanctions"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Comparative Government"
---

# Sanctions — AP Comp Gov Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Sanctions are penalties imposed by one country or group on another as a form of punishment or pressure in response to certain actions or policies.

## Related Study Guides

- [5.2 Political Responses to Global Market Forces](/ap-comp-gov/unit-5/political-responses-global-market-forces/study-guide/4gyx1uWkQsMkkggeth7I)

## Review

### Related Terms

- Embargo: A complete ban on trade with a particular country as a means of exerting economic pressure.
- Diplomacy: The practice of conducting negotiations between countries in order to maintain peaceful relations and resolve conflicts.
- [International Relations](/ap-comp-gov/key-terms/international-relations): The study of interactions between different nations, including political, economic, and social aspects.