Analysis of Categories and Effects of Countermeasures in International Law

To safeguard national sovereignty and interests, as well as to protect the lawful rights and interests of entities within their jurisdiction from the adverse impact of sanctions, numerous countries and regions have enacted anti-sanctions legislation or adopted corresponding countermeasures. These measures aim to block and counteract the improper extraterritorial application of sanctions laws. In the realm of contemporary international law, such countermeasures are generally categorized into blocking measures and confrontational measures. Blocking measures are designed to neutralize or preclude the application and effects of foreign sanctions laws through domestic legal frameworks. In contrast, confrontational measures escalate the response by imposing reciprocal sanctions on foreign entities. This article primarily examines the blocking measures typified by the European Union (EU)and the confrontational measures exemplified by Russia, providing a detailed analysis of the implementation effectiveness and practical challenges associated with both categories. The efficacy of countermeasures is intrinsically linked to a nation’s overall comprehensive strength. When devising anti-sanction strategies, it is imperative to align these measures with the nation’s unique circumstances and diplomatic objectives. Striking an appropriate balance between the intensity and scope of blocking and confrontational measures is crucial to ensuring their effectiveness and achieving the intended policy outcomes.