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The term ‘autonomous sanctions’ denotes unilateral measures of a punitive nature (sanctions), which are ordered by a state against third states, and which target the governments or the regimes in power and/or individuals and companies located / registered in such third states. Moreover, ‘autonomous’ signifies that these measures are applied irrespectively of any punitive measures against the same third states ordered by the Security Council (SC) of the United Nations (UN) in pursuance of its powers and under the authority prescribed in Chapter VII of the UN Charter. It follows that they are freestanding punitive measures, independent of UNSC punitive action. Indeed, they may be inflicted even if, for whatever reason, the UNSC has not taken, or has been prevented from ordering sanctions against recalcitrant states, their governments and officials and their concomitant organizations, etc.