A New Study Shows that Sanctions Kill As Many People As War

A New Study Shows that Sanctions Kill As Many People As War

Author: Global Dispatches July 28, 2025 Duration: 18:43

A groundbreaking new study published in the British medical journal The Lancet Global Health finds that unilateral economic sanctions—most of which are imposed by the United States—lead to approximately 564,000 excess deaths worldwide each year. Up to half of these deaths are children.

While sanctions are often touted as an alternative to military force, this research shows they can devastate public health, cause severe food and medicine shortages, and drive mortality rates to levels comparable to those seen in armed conflicts. In fact, the findings suggest that sanctions are about as deadly as military conflicts around the world each year.

Joining me to discuss this new study is one of its authors, Mark Weisbrot of the Center for Economic and Policy Research. We begin by examining his key findings and then explore how and why sanctions end up killing so many people globally.

https://www.globaldispatches.org/40PercentOff

Mark Weisbrot's research. 

 


For years, Global Dispatches--World News That Matters has carved out a unique space, going beyond the headlines to explore the forces and figures shaping our world. This isn't about rapid-fire soundbites; it's a series of substantive conversations with the people directly involved-diplomats negotiating treaties, reporters on the ground in conflict zones, and scholars analyzing long-term trends in global development and international relations. The discussions delve into the "why" behind the news, providing context that is often missing from daily reporting. Recognized by The Guardian as a podcast designed to make you smarter, it serves an audience that feels underserved by superficial summaries. Each episode is built on the premise that complex events deserve nuanced explanation. By listening, you gain access to a clearer, more informed perspective on pivotal issues, from geopolitical shifts to humanitarian crises. The podcast’s longevity as an independent program speaks to its consistent quality and dedicated following. Tune in for a deeper, more thoughtful analysis of the stories that truly matter, presented through the voices of those who know them best.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Global Dispatches -- World News That Matters
Podcast Episodes
How the Israel-Iran-US War Forever Changed the Middle East [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:48
Will the ceasefire between Israel and Iran actually hold? How might Iran respond to the unprecedented American attacks on its nuclear program? And more broadly, how have events over the last two weeks changed the entire…
How the US Bombing of Iran May Split the Republican Party [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:28
Donald Trump's decision to bomb Iran lays bare a major rift within Republican foreign policy. Until recently, the more isolationist "America First" wing seemed ascendant, sidelining the hawks. But that dynamic decisively…
Why The UN Oceans Summit Matters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:53
From June 9th to 13th, some 15,000 participants—including more than 60 Heads of State and Government—convened in Nice, on France's Mediterranean coast, for a major UN-sponsored conference on oceans. So what happened at t…
A Personal Note from Mark [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:04
Global Dispatches is entering a new era—and I need your help to keep it going. For years, I've been able to produce this show thanks to institutional support, especially from the UN Foundation, which has backed my work f…
The Gaza Aid Debacle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:51
After an 80-day total blockade of humanitarian aid into Gaza, a new scheme to distribute food to desperate Gazans began operations this week. The "Gaza Humanitarian Foundation" is an Israeli-American creation, designed b…
When Treaties Work: The Pandemic Agreement [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:47
On May 20th, after years of negotiation, World Health Organization member states adopted the Pandemic Agreement — the first international treaty focused on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Developed in re…
Pope Leo Makes His Foreign Policy Debut [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:19
The Pope is not just a religious leader—he's also a Head of State. The Holy See maintains formal diplomatic relations with most countries on Earth and holds the status of a permanent observer at the United Nations. In re…