Arms embargo is a term used to describe an international prohibition enforced to restrict the import and export of weapons. Some synonyms for arms embargo include weapon ban, weapon prohibition, trade restriction, trade sanctions, and weapon embargo. Arms embargo is typically imposed on countries bound by laws meant to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. An arms embargo may be used as a diplomatic tool to pressure a country not to engage in certain activities, particularly those that may be deemed harmful or unethical, such as human rights abuses or terrorist activities. The effectiveness of arms embargo as a means of limiting access to arms remains a topic of debate among scholars, policymakers, and the public.