Economic sanctions: obstruction or instrument for world trade?

Relates Adam Smith’s invisible hand to present day globalization and considers the impact of US trade and economic sanctions on the world economy. Discusses the political roots of these sanctions, their objectives (both overt and covert), costs and incompatibility with free trade. Puts forward eight ideas to minimize the damage they do to individuals and to free trade; and calls on governments to aim at “constructive dialogue and cooperative relations with other nations” instead.