Asked by Anonymous

Would one country impose an embargo on another to improve relations or to punish it? I'm pretty sure it's to improve relations. Can anyone verify that?
thanks
Answered by Ms. Sue
Nope. I suggest you look up embargo in a dictionary.

http://dictionary.reference.com/
Answered by Anonymous
I did. So instead would it be "to punish it"?
Answered by Ms. Sue
Right. Embargos try to prohibit trade to and from the country; the purpose is to punish the country.
Answered by Anonymous
thanks
Answered by Ms. Sue
You're welcome.
Answered by Reiny
The most obvious example of how an embargo hurts a country is to see how Cuba is affected by the US embargo.

http://www.historyofcuba.com/history/funfacts/embargo.htm