Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Does humanitarian intervention work?
Position1 of 3

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.

Supporting arguments · 2

  1. Intervention can lead to extended conflict
    If we look at the example set by Iraq, which was often framed as an intervention, it becomes clear that military involvement can come at a greater cost than inaction. The collateral damage and prolonged war caused by the Iraq War spells the dangers of intervening.
  2. Intervention is unpopular in practice
    In the US, polls indicate high concern for deadly civil wars such as in Syria, but low support for military intervention. A similar scenario has played out in past examples of genocide and suffering, such as Rwanda and Cambodia.