Sanctions function as a tool of foreign policy by applying economic or political pressure to compel a state to change its behavior. These measures can include trade restrictions, asset freezes, or travel bans and are often used in response to actions such as human rights violations or military aggression. Sanctions aim to isolate the targeted state economically and politically, influencing its decision-making. However, their effectiveness can be limited, leading to unintended consequences for both the target and the imposing country in terms of international relations.