History lessons

摘要

Instead of worrying about sanctions, Kim Jong II might gleefully consider the fate of Athens 2,400 years ago. It decreed a trade embargo on neighbouring Megara, but the ensuing 27-year struggle left the Athenians humiliated and Megara's ally, Corinth, triumphant. That may be the first instance of sanctions failing, but there are plenty of more recent cases. In the 20th century they were used ever more often, especially by American presidents and lawmakers. Franklin Roosevelt tried sanctions on Japan in 1940. Dwight Eisenhower smacked them on Britain in 1956 to end the Suez venture.