Final answer:
The statement that political sanctions are generally not very successful (B) is the most accurate, reflecting the mixed effectiveness they have historically shown. Sanctions, which include economic embargoes and diplomatic actions, are a legal method of international influence and are not guaranteed to be effective, especially against consumer goods.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the presented statements, the claim that political sanctions are generally not very successful (B) is the one that comes closest to a reasonable assertion, although it isn't absolute. This is because political sanctions have had a varied track record, with some achieving their intended goals and others failing to exert enough pressure to cause the target nation to change its behavior. Sanctions are a complex tool used in international relations to influence or punish a nation for particular actions and behaviors that are considered undesirable by others. Moreover, the effectiveness of sanctions often depends on the participation of many members of the international community and the willingness to close loopholes.
Sanctions come in many forms, including economic embargoes, military sanctions, cultural sanctions, and diplomatic sanctions. Economic sanctions, such as trade embargoes, can target specific sectors, including consumer goods, though their effectiveness may vary depending on the resilience of the targeted nation and how easily it can find alternate markets or suppliers.
Contrary to statement C, sanctions are not inherently illegal; they are a legitimate tool of international policy employed by entities like the United Nations and individual nations. While statement D is incorrect as the United Nations does not outright encourage boycotts, it can impose sanctions as a means of conflict resolution or to coerce compliance with international law. Formal negative sanctions and positive sanctions are used internationally to enforce rules and norms, providing rewards or punishments based on the actions of nations.