What are legal measures intended to enforce international law and compel compliance from a nation called?

Sanctions are legal measures imposed by countries or international organizations with the aim of enforcing international law and compelling compliance from a nation that is perceived to be violating those laws. They can take various forms, including economic restrictions, trade barriers, travel bans, or other penalties intended to exert pressure on the targeted nation.

The implementation of sanctions typically reflects a collective decision by a group of states or international bodies in response to actions that threaten peace, security, or human rights. This approach is often used as a non-military method to influence a nation's behavior without resorting to armed conflict.

In contrast, embargoes specifically refer to restrictions on trade or specific goods and can be seen as a form of sanction but are usually more focused on preventing the flow of certain products. Boycotts generally involve individuals or groups refusing to engage with a company or nation and are often grassroots movements rather than state-imposed measures. Retaliation refers to actions taken in response to another nation's behavior, which may not necessarily have the legal backing or intention of enforcing international law.