Economic sanctions can profoundly affect foreign policy decisions by serving as tools of coercion or influence. By imposing sanctions, governments seek to deter undesirable behaviors from states or entities, such as human rights violations or military aggression. These sanctions can impact a targeted country's economy significantly, creating pressure on its leadership to alter policies. However, the effectiveness of sanctions varies and can lead to unintended consequences, including humanitarian crises. As a result, policymakers must carefully consider the implications of sanctions, balancing their potential benefits with the risks of escalation or harm to innocent populations.