My name is Cindy Burleson and I'm Chairman of the International Sibling Society, where
I have the privilege here today to welcome you to SDG's Explain, the podcast where we
explore the 17 global sustainable development goals and how people in over 190 countries
are working together to make life better on the planet for all life, both above and below
the water.
The 17 sustainable development goals are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect
the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all, addressing key challenges such as
poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable
and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry innovation and infrastructure.
Reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production,
climate action, life below the water, life on land, peace and justice, and strong institutions.
In this series, you will learn much more about the global sustainable development goals.
But if you're curious and you want to know more now, check out the SDG's Explain trailer
and bonus features found in the same place where we found our podcast here today.
You can also find the International Sibling Society and SDG's Explain series on YouTube.
We urge you to take the time to look us up on YouTube and subscribe to our channel.
Indeed, we need your support to get our message out through the algorithms so everyone, everywhere
around the planet can hear it and share with us all how they're working to achieve the
sustainable development goals, and they're part of the goal.
It only takes one click, click the subscribe button, and let's get YouTube on our side.
Speaking of YouTube, we're excited to announce our public view hours drive, which is set
to propel our YouTube channel to the next level.
If you head over to our website, ISSnow.earth, you'll discover that the International Sibling
Society is currently in the midst of an ambitious campaign to increase public view hours.
By watching more of our videos from start to finish, you will propel the International
Sibling Society through the stratosphere of YouTube algorithms into the history books
of YouTubeology, disclose the truth to all your contacts, and loop new playlists on the
International Sibling Society's YouTube channel from start to finish.
While you're there, we extend a warm invitation to you, inviting you to become an indispensable
part of our movement.
By subscribing to our channel, you join us in harnessing the profound potential of shared
experiences.
We urge you to visit ISSnow.earth and become an integral member of our global family.
When you explore our website, you'll have the opportunity to share with us who you are
and what you're doing in your corner of the world to advance us towards the Sustainable
Development Goals.
On our website, you can connect with others in your area, volunteer on one of numerous
tech teams, or schedule a time to be a guest on our show.
Are you passionate about making a positive change in the world?
Do you have a heart for fostering international connections and contributing to meaningful
projects?
We'll look no further.
The International Sibling Society.
The International Sibling Society welcomes you to be a part of our dedicated volunteer
teams.
With a variety of teams to choose from, you can channel your skills and interests towards
projects that align with your passions.
Join us today and be a catalyst for positive change across the globe.
Discover your team.
I ask you, which one of these nine teams resonates with you?
Our first team, the Canva Pro Team, where you can unleash your creativity and design
skills by creating eye-catching visuals that tell stories of global impact, engaging a
wide audience with your artistic flair.
Our second team is the Google Workspace Gurus.
Are you a Google Workspace enthusiast?
Join our Google Workspace team and become a resourceful guide for our international
network, ensuring smooth collaboration and communication.
Perhaps you're drawn to the YouTube Creators Team.
If you're captivated by the world of short-form videos, the YouTube Shorts Team offers you
the chance to spread messages of sustainable development goals through engaging and impactful
visual content.
Our fourth team, the Google Ad Grants Advocates, leverage the power of online advertising for
a cause.
Help the International Sibling Society reach a broader audience and maximize our impact
with your strategic marketing skills.
Thanks to Google's generosity, the Google Ad Grants team manages $10,000 a month in
online advertising, which looks great in any professional marketing or advertising portfolio.
If you're really feeling heroic, the HubSpot heroes might be for you.
Are you savvy with inbound marketing and CRM software?
Then the HubSpot team is where you can shine, optimize the International Sibling Society's
outreach efforts, and nurturing valuable connections.
Our sixth team works in the clouds.
The Amazon Web Services Wizards are AWS tech enthusiasts that build the perfect platform
to manage the International Sibling Society's technical infrastructure and ensure seamless
operations.
Alternatively, you may be drawn to the Google Sites Squad.
If you have a knack for web design and organization, the Google Sites team is the place for you.
Help the International Sibling Society create an informative and user-friendly online presence.
If you enjoy networking, you will surely enjoy being one of the International Sibling Society's
TechSoup nonprofit champions.
Join the TechSoup team to assist with nonprofit training initiatives, enabling organizations
around the world to make the most of available resources and technology.
Perhaps I've saved the best for last.
Our ninth team of Sustainable Development Advocates are passionate about creating a
better world.
Join the Sustainable Development Goals team to educate and raise awareness about global
initiatives.
You can join any of these teams that I've mentioned here by visiting the International
Sibling Society's website at issnow.earth.
That's I-S-S-N-O-W dot E-A-R-T-H.
Our platform is here to provide unwavering support for you.
Speaking of support, the International Sibling Society wants to be the first to encourage
you to assume your own role in the world of diplomacy.
We encourage you to pursue a career in Foreign Service in your own home country.
Research the requirements and you'll soon be on your way to an exciting, rewarding career
where you can truly make a difference for all of us living on the planet.
Most countries require some form of testing to enter Foreign Service.
In my country, the United States, all aspiring Foreign Service officers are required to take
a written Foreign Service officer test.
After taking the Foreign Service officer's test, the next step for Americans is to go
through the Qualifications Evaluation Panel where a review committee looks at the total
candidates and ranks them in any given career track.
And the number of candidates invited to the oral assessment stage depends largely on the
U.S. State Department's anticipated hiring needs and budget.
Well, what's the process in your country?
Whatever the requirements are in your country, to help prepare yourself for the road ahead,
the International Sibling Society has prepared a comprehensive study guide to help you ace
the essay portion of any exam you're required to take.
The name of the study guide is simple.
It's Launch Your Foreign Service Career and Ace the Foreign Service Officer Test.
You can find Launch Your Foreign Service Career and Ace the Foreign Service Officer Test anywhere
you buy books.
But we understand that books are much heavier to carry than they used to be, and that you
likely prefer a lighter, more portable digital or audio version.
Well, look no further.
Audiobooks and e-books are available too.
Just search for them by name on your favorite platform.
The International Sibling Society's Global Test Prep Series launched your Foreign Service
Career and aced the Foreign Service Officer Test.
Inside this guide, you will find 20 sample essays covering a wide range of writing prompts
that could be included in any Foreign Service Officer Test, regardless of the country or
testing format.
We've carefully curated these essays to provide you with a diverse set of topics,
ensuring that you are well prepared for any challenge that comes your way.
From these essays, you will learn how to effectively structure and develop your responses to impress
evaluators.
Whether you are facing an oral or written exam, our study guide will equip you with
the necessary skills to tackle any essay prompt with confidence.
You will learn how to analyze the question, generate compelling arguments, and communicate
your ideas with clarity and precision.
At the International Sibling Society, we understand the importance of acing the Foreign Service
Officer Test.
Aspiring Foreign Service Officers need to demonstrate their ability to think critically,
analyze complex issues, and communicate effectively.
Our study guide is dedicated to help you master these skills, ensuring that you stand out
from the competition.
Don't leave your success on the Foreign Service Officer Test to chance.
With our study guide, you can confidently approach any essay prompts that come your
way.
Get ready to showcase your knowledge, skills, and passion for diplomacy with our comprehensive
collection of sample essays.
Start your journey towards becoming a Foreign Service Officer today.
Order your copy of our study guide and unlock your full potential on the Foreign Service
Officer Test.
Your dream career is within reach.
Let us help you make it a reality.
So I ask you, are you ready to take the Foreign Service Officer Test?
Well are you ready to take your Foreign Service Officer Test preparation to the next level?
Then let's get started.
In today's podcast, we are going to examine the role of economic sanctions in achieving
foreign policy objectives.
Well to get started, let's examine the role of economic sanctions in achieving foreign
policy objectives through the lens of Sustainable Development Goals.
The use of economic sanctions intersects with the objectives of many Sustainable Development
Goals because they are wide-ranging effects on trade.
The use of economic sanctions intersects with the objectives of many Sustainable Development
Goals because they are wide-reaching effects on trade, development, health, equality, and
the promotion of peace and justice.
However, the effectiveness and humanitarian implications of sanctions are often debated,
reflecting the complexity of their impact on foreign policy and global development goals.
Here we'll discuss economic sanctions as they relate to Sustainable Development Goals
16, 17, 8, 10, 2, and 3.
Starting with Sustainable Development Goal 16, that focuses on peace, justice, and strong
institutions, economic sanctions are often employed as a non-military method to enforce
international laws and norms aiming to maintain or restore peace.
This goal seeks to promote peaceful societies and strong institutions that can uphold justice
and the rule of law, which sanctions may be designed to support.
Sustainable Development Goal 17 focuses on partnerships for the goals.
Sanctions can be part of the international partnerships and collective actions taken
to address global challenges, including those related to peace and security.
Sustainable Development Goal 8 focuses on decent work and economic growth.
Sanctions can impact economies by constraining trade and investment, affecting economic growth
and employment in both the target and sender countries.
Sustainable Development Goal 10 focuses on reduced inequalities.
The effects of economic sanctions may also be examined in the context of how they impact
inequality within and among countries, as sanctions can have differentiated effects
on various population groups, potentially exasperating inequalities.
Our final two Sustainable Development Goal lenses are Sustainable Development Goal 2,
which focuses on zero hunger, and Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on good
health and well-being.
In cases where sanctions lead to shortages of food, medicine, or health care resources,
they directly affect these goals.
Well, knowing all of this, how could we respond on a written test or an oral exam, or better
yet, in the real world of international diplomacy, if we were asked to examine the role of economic
sanctions in achieving foreign policy objectives?
Well, that response could look or sound like this.
Title, the role of economic sanctions in achieving foreign policy objectives.
Economic sanctions have emerged as a prominent tool in the toolkit of foreign policy and
international diplomacy.
These measures involve imposing restrictions on trade, financial transactions, and economic
activity with the targeted country or entity to advance foreign policy goals.
This essay examines the multifaceted role of economic sanctions in achieving foreign
policy objectives, considering their effectiveness, ethical implications, and potential drawbacks.
The mechanism of economic sanctions.
Economic sanctions encompass a range of measures from trade embargoes to asset freezes to
restrictions on financial transactions and travel bans.
The primary objectives behind imposing sanctions include, Compellance, Deterrence, and Punishment.
Let's take a look at each one of these.
Compellance is using sanctions to pressure a targeted state or entity to change its behaviors
or policies.
This can or may involve ending human rights abuses, ceasing support for terrorism, or
complying with international agreements.
Punishment is discouraging other states or entities from engaging in undesirable actions
by demonstrating the consequences of such actions through sanctions.
And Punishment.
Punishment is penalizing a state or entity for its actions, such as violating international
law by inflicting economic cost through sanctions.
Effectiveness on Economic Sanctions.
The effectiveness of economic sanctions in achieving foreign policy objectives vary depending
on several factors such as target country's vulnerability, international cooperation,
smart sanctions, duration, and consistency.
Let's take a look at each one of these.
First let's examine a target country's vulnerability.
The economic impact of sanctions largely depends on the target's vulnerability.
A weaker economy may be more susceptible to pressure, while stronger economies may withstand
sanctions with less disruption.
Turning now to international cooperation.
Sanctions are often more effective when they are imposed collectively by a coalition of
countries or through international organizations like the United Nations.
Broader support can increase the pressure on the target.
Thirdly, smart sanctions.
Targeted well-designed sanctions that focus on specific individuals or entities associated
with undesirable activities can be more effective than broad-based measures that harm the civilian
population.
Finally, duration and consistency.
Sanctions may take time to exert their influence.
Consistency in maintaining sanctions is crucial for achieving desired outcomes.
Ethical Considerations.
Economic sanctions, while a tool of foreign policy, raise ethical concerns such as humanitarian
impact, selective application, and lack of accountability.
From the humanitarian impact concern, broad sanctions can harm the civilian population
leading to food and medical shortages, economic hardships, and suffering.
Ethical concerns arise when sanctions lead to humanitarian crises.
As a selective application concern, the application of sanctions is often selective and this selectivity
can raise ethical questions.
Some countries may face sanctions for certain actions while others do not, leading to accusations
of bias.
As for lack of accountability, the impact of sanctions on the civilian population may
not always be fully acknowledged or addressed by those imposing measures.
Let's look at the drawbacks and unintended consequences.
Economic sanctions are not without their drawbacks and potential unintended consequences, such
as resistance and defiance.
Intended entities may resist sanctions and find alternative sources of support, thereby
undermining the intended impact.
Another intended consequence of sanctions is strain on diplomacy.
Sanctions constrain diplomatic relations and make negotiations more challenging.
Economic fallout can also be an unintended consequence.
Sanctions can negatively affect the global economy as they disrupt trade and financial
systems.
They can also create distinctiveness for foreign investment.
Economic fallout can also be an unintended consequence.
Sanctions can negatively affect the global economy as they disrupt trade and financial
systems.
They can also create disincentives for foreign investment.
When conclusioned, economic sanctions are a complex and controversial tool in foreign
policy.
While they can be effective in achieving foreign policy objectives, their success depends on
various factors, including the targets of vulnerability and international cooperation.
Careful considerations and potential humanitarian consequences must be weighed against the desired
outcomes.
As a result, the decision to impose economic sanctions could be made with careful consideration.
As a result, the decision to impose economic sanctions should be made with careful consideration,
taking into account both the potential benefits and drawbacks of this powerful foreign policy
tool.
How would you evaluate this response if you were scoring this essay or interviewing a
Foreign Service officer candidate speaking these words?
Let us know in the comments section.
Visit our website at issNOW.earth or email us directly at diplomaticoffice@issNOW.earth
What could you add to our exploration of sanctions?
Let's hear from you.
Be a guest on our show!
As we wrap up today's episode of SDGs Explained, I want to thank you, our listeners, for joining
us on this journey through the complexities and inspirations of the Sustainable Development
Goals.
Your engagement and curiosity are what drive this conversation forward, making a better
future possible for all life on our planet.
Remember, the International Sibling Society is more than just a podcast, it's a movement.
A movement where your voice, your actions, and your commitment to the Sustainable Development
Goals can truly make a difference.
Whether it's by subscribing to our YouTube channel, sharing your stories on our website,
or considering a career in diplomacy, every step you take is a stride towards a more sustainable,
peaceful, and prosperous world.
As your host, Cindy Burleson, Chairman of the International Sibling Society, I'm here
to remind you that change starts with us.
It starts with the choices we make, the conversations we have, and the actions we take.
So let's continue to educate ourselves, inspire each other, and work collectively
towards the goals that unite us.
Before we conclude, I'd like to encourage you to explore our comprehensive study guide,
launch your Foreign Service Officer career, and ace the Foreign Service Officer Test.
This resource is not just a tool for exam preparation, it's a gateway to understanding
the intricacies of global diplomacy and the significant role it plays in resolving contemporary
international conflicts.
So as you move forward in your day, think about how you can contribute to the Sustainable
Development Goals in your own unique way.
And when you're ready to take your commitment to the next level, remember the International
Sibling Society and the SDGs Explained podcast are here to guide, support, and empower you.
Thank you once again for tuning in.
Join us next time as we continue to explore, understand, and contribute to the Sustainable
Development Goals.
Together, let's shape a future that we can all be proud of.
Until then, keep striving for a sustainable world, one goal at a time.