Which of the following is NOT a common objective of imposing sanctions?

The rationale for identifying "Promote free trade without restrictions" as the choice that does not align with the common objectives of imposing sanctions is rooted in the very nature of sanctions themselves. Sanctions are typically designed to exert pressure on a country or regime to modify its behavior, to achieve particular political or economic outcomes, or to prevent harmful activities such as terrorism financing. Thus, sanctions inherently limit trade and economic interactions in order to compel compliance with international standards or norms.

In contrast, promoting free trade embodies principles of minimal restrictions and favorable trade policies between nations, which directly contradicts the intention of sanctions. Therefore, while the other objectives—changing behavior, pressuring for specific outcomes, and preventing terrorism funding—align closely with the strategic use of sanctions, promoting unrestricted free trade does not. Sanctions are employed as tools of foreign policy to impose limitations that can hinder or completely halt trade with designated countries or entities.