Controversies surrounding humanitarian intervention

Question 1

Controversies surrounding humanitarian intervention

Answer 1

1. selective intervention
2. double standards
3. state sovereignty
4. western interests
5. hypocrisy
6. R2P

Question 2

selective interventionism

Answer 2

• intervention in Libya (2011) but not in Syria (2012) despite similar issues

Question 3

Double standards

Answer 3

• intervention in Libya but not Chins- human rights abuses towards Muslims

Question 4

western interests

Answer 4

• stares will only execute interventions when its in their interest
• allegedly the 2003 Iraq intervention was over control of oil

Question 5

hypocrisy

Answer 5

• USA used torture methods in Guantanamo Bay, so the West’s record of human rights is controversial

Question 6

R2P

Answer 6

• the use of force guarantees civilian casualties
• the long term outcome can be failure, Libya has since become a failed state

Question 7

State Sovereignty

Answer 7

• realists argue that states should focus on their own interests, rather than interfering with other states

Question 8

Realists on humanitarian intervention

Answer 8

• sceptical of international law
• human rights law undermines state sovereignty
• humanitarian intervention leads to failures as states only act in their own interests

Question 9

Liberals on human rights intervention

Answer 9

• international law helps to protect universal liberal values
• international law helps to deepen interdependence
• it is in a states interest to fight against human rights abuses as it leads to a more harmonious society