[rlmorel]

Trade sanctions "caused" Japan to carry out Pearl Harbor. That is like saying "your face hitting my fist caused skinned knuckles."

[Destro]

Trade sanctions are an act of war. Cause and effect of trade sanctions to a super power is war.

The use of the word "cause" is correct - your understanding of the English language comprehension needs work.

Caused:

1) The producer of an effect, result, or consequence. The one, such as a person, event, or condition, that is responsible for an action or result.

2) A basis for an action or response; a reason.