The leadership of countries under sanctions rarely change their behavior due to sanctions. However the effect on the population of the countries is that they turn against the countries applying the sanctions. It becomes easier for the leaders to sell the sanctions to their populace as the enemy action. If the West is expecting any revolution due to sanctions, I have not seen it.
However, sanctions do have a symbolic value. And I also can't think of anything else short of military action to express displeasure.
However, sanctions do have a symbolic value. And I also can't think of anything else short of military action to express displeasure.