A few years ago, that assumption would have been sound. After seeing it slightly tested in the past four years though... I don't think such an assumption really

A few years ago, that assumption would have been sound. After seeing it slightly tested in the past four years though... I don't think such an assumption really holds as an absolute certainty anymore. We have seen developed nations continue trading with (and in some cases even increase their trade with) countries that have received international condemnation that should have seen unilateral embargos. To name the first three that come to mind: - Russia-Ukraine (land grab) - EU and Germany in particular increasing trade with Russia, particularly in terms of gas procurement when Russia should have been sanctioned into the ground - Russia-Britain (killing on foreign soil) - same as above - North Korea violating nuclear and ICBM testing treaty - most countries ceasing to trade openly, but continuing "off the books"