Culture as Collateral Damage? Evidence From the Impact of Sanctions on Cultural Trade

Muharrem Cevik, Giorgio Fazio and Sara Maioli

The World Economy, 2025, vol. 48, issue 11, 2408-2426

Abstract: We examine how various types of sanctions—trade, financial, military, arms and travel—affect trade in cultural goods, and, for comparison, in non‐cultural goods. We find that trade sanctions have significant negative impacts on cultural and non‐cultural trade. The magnitude and nature of these impacts vary depending on the type and coverage of trade sanctions. Furthermore, our study reveals significant collateral damage to bilateral cultural trade caused by arms, military assistance, financial and travel sanctions. Conversely, non‐cultural trade is primarily influenced by financial and travel sanctions. Examining the origins of sanctions provides deeper insights into their diverse impacts. Specifically, our analysis highlights that the United States (U.S.)‐imposed sanctions across various types have significant unintended consequences for bilateral U.S. cultural trade with sanctioned countries. Similarly, both U.S. and European Union (EU) sanctions, regardless of their type, exert a substantial impact on their non‐cultural trade with sanctioned countries. Although sanctions may be justified from a political standpoint, our findings underscore the importance for policymakers to prioritise the promotion of cultural trade and its potential role in peacebuilding efforts once sanctions are lifted.

Date: 2025
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