Especially since the post-1945 era and the United Nations-establishment, international political theory has been concerned with the topic of humanitarian intervention and a complex debate, touching principles of international society and our human existence, has emerged. It focuses on two levels: the traditional debate is concerned with the arguments for and against intervention in relation to the principles of sovereignty, non-intervention and non-use of force versus global human rights norms. The critical approach to humanitarian intervention moves beyond the classical debate and its limits in providing new aspects.1 Additionally, the international society recently has to deal with lots of problems. 9/11 and the war in Iraq have given rise to new challenges and terrorism prescribes a new and unique dimension for humanitarian intervention. This essay aims to provide a clearer understanding of current issues and the complex debate concerning humanitarian intervention. Due to lack of space it can only give a rough overview about the topic. Thus it first offers a definition of humanitarian intervention and a brief historical overview about the UN. Secondly, it deals with the classical debate and related issues. The third section is concerned with critical approaches to and new ways of looking at intervention. The essay concludes by offering possible solutions to the debate. 1 The complexity of the debate has been perfectly expressed by Hoffman: “The very act of intervention and non-intervention and the justification offered tells us a great deal - about how we conceive of ourselves, how we construct our identities and how we conceive of and construct the world in which we live.” (1993: 194)
Table of Contents
- Definition and history
- The classical debate about humanitarian intervention
- Principles and main issues
- The English School- arguments for and against humanitarian intervention
- A customary international law and an emerging norm for intervention?
- Criteria for justifying forcible humanitarian intervention
- New approaches to the classical debate
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to provide a clearer understanding of current issues and the complex debate concerning humanitarian intervention. It offers a definition of humanitarian intervention and a brief historical overview, deals with the classical debate and related issues, and examines critical approaches and new perspectives on intervention. Due to space constraints, it provides a broad overview.
- The definition and historical context of humanitarian intervention.
- The classical debate surrounding humanitarian intervention, focusing on the principles of sovereignty, non-intervention, and the use of force.
- The legal and moral arguments for and against humanitarian intervention.
- The emergence of a new norm for humanitarian intervention.
- Criteria for justifying humanitarian intervention.
Chapter Summaries
Definition and history: This section defines humanitarian intervention as the threat or use of force primarily to protect nationals from widespread human rights deprivations. It emphasizes that the classical debate mainly refers to forcible humanitarian intervention. The section then provides a brief historical overview, highlighting the role of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in establishing the framework for understanding humanitarian intervention and the conflict between state sovereignty and the protection of human rights. The complexities inherent in defining and justifying intervention are emphasized.
The classical debate about humanitarian intervention: This chapter delves into the core arguments surrounding humanitarian intervention. It begins by outlining the main issues, focusing on the inherent contradiction between the principles of state sovereignty, non-intervention, and non-use of force, which are fundamental to the international society, and the need for humanitarian intervention to protect human rights. The chapter then explores the perspectives of the English School, examining the arguments for and against intervention from both restrictionists and counter-restrictionists. The discussion includes an analysis of the legal basis for intervention within the UN Charter, customary international law, and the concept of *jus cogens*. Finally, the chapter explores the criteria for justifying an intervention, highlighting the ongoing tension between order and justice within the international system.
Keywords
Humanitarian intervention, sovereignty, non-intervention, non-use of force, human rights, international law, UN Charter, English School, jus cogens, restrictionists, counter-restrictionists, order vs. justice.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Humanitarian Intervention
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a text on humanitarian intervention. It includes the table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. It offers a structured overview intended for academic use and analysis.
What topics are covered in the text?
The text explores the complex debate surrounding humanitarian intervention. Key areas include: the definition and history of humanitarian intervention; the classical debate involving sovereignty, non-intervention, and the use of force; legal and moral arguments for and against intervention; the emergence of a new norm for intervention; and criteria for justifying intervention. The English School's perspective on the issue is also examined.
What is the definition of humanitarian intervention as presented in this preview?
Humanitarian intervention is defined as the threat or use of force primarily to protect nationals from widespread human rights deprivations. The preview emphasizes that the classical debate primarily focuses on forcible humanitarian intervention.
What is the classical debate about humanitarian intervention?
The classical debate centers on the inherent contradiction between fundamental principles of state sovereignty, non-intervention, and non-use of force, and the need to intervene to protect human rights. It explores the perspectives of restrictionists and counter-restrictionists within the English School framework and examines the legal basis for intervention within the UN Charter, customary international law, and *jus cogens*.
What are the key themes and objectives of the text?
The text aims to provide a clear understanding of current issues and the complex debate surrounding humanitarian intervention. It offers a definition, historical overview, analysis of the classical debate, and examination of critical approaches and new perspectives. Due to space constraints, it provides a broad overview.
What are the chapter summaries?
The "Definition and history" section defines humanitarian intervention and provides a brief historical overview, highlighting the conflict between state sovereignty and human rights protection. The "Classical debate" chapter delves into the core arguments, focusing on the principles of sovereignty, non-intervention, and the use of force, examining the English School's perspective and criteria for justifying intervention.
What are the keywords associated with this text?
Keywords include: Humanitarian intervention, sovereignty, non-intervention, non-use of force, human rights, international law, UN Charter, English School, jus cogens, restrictionists, counter-restrictionists, order vs. justice.
What is the intended audience for this preview?
This preview is intended for academic use, facilitating structured analysis of themes related to humanitarian intervention.
- Quote paper
- Julia Heise (Author), 2004, Humanitarian Intervention, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/36674
