Embargoes: When Countries Want to Say “NO!” to Their Not-So-BFFs
Imagine your childhood friend suddenly saying, “No more hanging out, you’re not allowed to come to my house!” That’s basically what happens when countries impose embargoes. It’s like freezing out a friend for doing something they didn’t like.
To take a dive into the world of historic embargoes, we’ll snorkel into South America for some interesting cases:
Argentina and the Malvinas (Falkland Islands)
In 1982, Argentina and the UK got into a heated battle over the Malvinas, a group of islands in the South Atlantic. The UK eventually won, and as punishment, imposed an embargo on Argentina. This meant no more trade between the two countries, which made life a little harder for Argentina.
Colombia and Cuba
Colombia and Cuba have been at odds for decades. In the 1960s, Colombia cut off diplomatic ties with Cuba because of its communist government. This embargo lasted for over three decades, preventing Colombian businesses from trading with Cuba.
Ecuador and Venezuela
In 2008, Ecuador and Venezuela got into a little spat over a border dispute. Ecuador decided to show its displeasure by imposing an embargo on Venezuela, limiting trade and travel between the two countries. However, in 2010, they patched things up and lifted the embargo.
Brazil and French Guiana
Brazil and French Guiana have a long-standing border dispute. In the 1960s, Brazil imposed an embargo on French Guiana, hoping to force France to negotiate. The embargo lasted for over a decade, but ultimately did not achieve its goal.
Why Do Countries Impose Embargoes?
Embargoes are a powerful tool that countries use to express their disapproval or achieve political or economic objectives. They can be used to:
- Punish countries for violating international law
- Pressure countries to change their policies
- Protect domestic industries from foreign competition
Remember: Embargoes are like relationship time-outs, but on a global scale. Countries use them to send a strong message of disapproval and to try to get their way.