👉 A policy weapon is a strategic tool used by governments, international organizations, or other actors to influence outcomes in specific policy areas, often to achieve broader political or strategic objectives. These tools can include diplomatic pressure, economic sanctions, regulatory measures, or even military interventions, designed to compel targeted entities—such as governments, corporations, or non-state actors—to alter their behavior or policies. Unlike traditional military force, policy weapons operate within the realm of governance and international relations, aiming to shape norms, enforce compliance with international standards, or advance national interests through non-coercive or coercive means. Their effectiveness depends on factors like the target’s vulnerability to pressure, the legitimacy of the actor deploying them, and the alignment of interests between the policy weapon’s proponents and the affected entities.
