blanket sanctions

USAGE SUMMARY

'blanket sanctions' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to a set of sanctions that are applied to a wide range of activities or persons related to a particular situation, issue, or country. For example: "The United Nations imposed blanket sanctions against the country in response to the leader's human rights violations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Blanket sanctions on Russia's energy industry, or financial sanctions that did real damage to the oligarchs who support Putin, would surely not encourage his full coöperation.

The New Yorker

Later she was more roundly vilified by many in the ANC, in the SACP and by anti-apartheid campaigners abroad, for opposing blanket sanctions against South Africa.

The Economist

Ordinary Iranians have complained in recent years that blanket sanctions have hurt them in many areas such as importing life-saving medicines.

The Guardian

International funds and equipment have been vital to the Iranian NGOs but blanket sanctions imposed on the country by the west over its nuclear programme have affected environmentalists, who have struggled to get international funding.

The Guardian

After the gulf war in 1991, Americans let another coalition lapse, walking away from the problem of Saddam Hussein by clinging to blanket sanctions that nearly every other nation came to oppose.

The New York Times

European governments have so far failed to persuade the Trump administration to guarantee Iranian imports of basic foods and medicine after the imposition of blanket sanctions next week, according to diplomats familiar with the negotiations.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Blanket economic sanctions hurt those already suffering, not their rulers.

The New York Times

Last year the OFT wrote to universities across the UK to warn that "the blanket of academic sanctions in such instances, regardless of the circumstances, could breach consumer protection law.

Independent

Time is running out for Bashar Assad The German problem A small reason to be cheerful ReprintsJust as worrying for Mr Assad, China and Russia, which have blocked a blanket imposition of sanctions against Syria in the UN Security Council, may be forced to reconsider their stand.

The Economist

The watchdog said: "The OFT considers that the blanket use of academic sanctions in such instances, regardless of the circumstances, could breach consumer protection law.

The Guardian - Business

The system is irrational: There is a blanket waiver to the sanctions to facilitate humanitarian trade, but other laws restricting financial transactions with Iran make it impossible to implement that exception.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Clarify the specific sectors or activities affected by the "blanket sanctions" to provide a clearer understanding of their impact.

Common error

Don't assume that "blanket sanctions" are always the most effective approach. Consider whether targeted sanctions might achieve the desired outcome with less collateral damage to innocent parties or the broader economy. Weigh the pros and cons of each approach based on the specific context and objectives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blanket sanctions" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "blanket" modifies the noun "sanctions", indicating a comprehensive or all-encompassing application of restrictive measures. This usage aligns with the examples provided by Ludwig, which demonstrate its use in discussing international relations and economic policies.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "blanket sanctions" refers to broad, comprehensive restrictive measures, often economic, applied to a country or entity. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While not as common as other expressions, it appears primarily in news and media, with neutral formality. When using "blanket sanctions", be sure it accurately reflects the scope of the measures and consider whether it’s the most effective or ethical approach. Alternatives like "targeted sanctions" may be more appropriate in some contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comprehensive sanctions

Emphasizes the thorough and all-encompassing nature of the sanctions.

wide-ranging sanctions

Highlights the extensive scope and application of the sanctions.

sweeping sanctions

Suggests a broad and impactful imposition of sanctions.

general sanctions

Focuses on the non-specific and overall nature of the sanctions.

across-the-board sanctions

Indicates that sanctions are applied uniformly without exceptions.

full sanctions

Highlights the complete and unrestricted application of sanctions.

total sanctions

Emphasizes the comprehensive and exhaustive nature of the sanctions.

wholesale sanctions

Suggests that sanctions are applied on a large scale and indiscriminately.

indiscriminate sanctions

Highlights the lack of specific targeting in the application of the sanctions.

universal sanctions

Focuses on the wide international agreement or application of the sanctions.

FAQs

What are the typical consequences of "blanket sanctions"?

"Blanket sanctions" often lead to widespread economic hardship, affecting ordinary citizens and potentially destabilizing the targeted country. They can also impact international relations and humanitarian efforts.

How do "blanket sanctions" differ from targeted sanctions?

"Blanket sanctions" apply broadly across an economy or sector, while targeted sanctions focus on specific individuals, entities, or activities. Targeted sanctions aim to minimize harm to the general population while still achieving policy goals.

Are there alternatives to implementing "blanket sanctions"?

Yes, alternatives include "targeted sanctions", diplomatic pressure, and international mediation. These approaches may be more effective in certain situations, depending on the specific goals and context.

What are the arguments for and against using "blanket sanctions"?

Proponents argue that "blanket sanctions" exert maximum pressure on a regime, while opponents contend that they disproportionately harm civilians and can be counterproductive, strengthening the targeted regime's resolve or creating unintended consequences.