Sanctions aren't new, ask the Romans

Plastic letters arranged to read 'Sanctions' and toy soldiers are placed in front of Ukraine's and Russia's flag colours. Sanctions can be a powerful weapon against a foe but alone it is doubtful they can beat a superior military power. (Photo: Reuters)

Attacks on a state's economy can inflict immense damage, but sanctions and other tools of economic warfare are unlikely to defeat a superior military power. Instead, economic disruptions may prompt the state to fight even harder to defend itself. The anger and anxiety economic disruptions produce can accelerate rather than conclude a war.

A failed economic assault on ancient Rome offers a window into the possibilities and perils of this strategy.