- Question
Does humanitarian intervention work?
Humanitarian intervention, or the military involvement in a foreign nation to protect human rights, has been a hotly debated topic for the past 75 years. Since the end of World War II, human rights and international peace have become paramount to the foreign policies of many countries. However, there is no consistent methodology for how to address human rights abuses, genocide, and conflict abroad. The challenges of sovereignty, international policing, and the efficacy of intervening have plagued the diplomatic minds in the aftermath of the Holocaust.
Humanitarian intervention does not work
While the better angels of our nature may think intervening will help, that is often not the case. In addition to the practical and diplomatic hurdles, having a foreign military in a domestic conflict does not ease tensions.
Humanitarian intervention is a moral responsibility
If violations of human rights are occurring, we have a moral obligation to intervene. Not every instance of humanitarian intervention will be identical, so we cannot assume it will be ineffective. Even if it does not work, we must try and help.
Military intervention is risky, but other forms of aid can help
Military intervention in foreign conflict may sometimes help, but there have been to many instances of failure. Instead of rolling the dice, we should use other means of aid and diplomacy to help.