Course Description

What is humanitarian intervention? Is it ever a good idea? Who does the intervening and on whose behalf? In order to explore these questions, this course adopts a broad understanding of humanitarian intervention, focusing primarily on the post-World War II period. We will look at a range of actors that act for humanitarian purposes; not only states, but also non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and intergovernmental organisations. We will also consider a range of forms of intervention; including armed intervention, humanitarian aid, peacekeeping, human rights promotion, and the international criminal justice system.

Thus, the course focuses on the emergence of humanitarian intervention, its contemporary nature, successes and failures, moral challenges, and ways forward. The course examines dilemmas generated by great power politics, the tension between state sovereignty and global humanitarian action, and resource constraints in a world of potentially limitless need. The course will equip students to think critically about the possibilities and limits of effective humanitarian intervention and to creatively apply these insights to real-life cases around the world.

Course Learning Outcomes

On completing the course, students will be able to:

1. Describe and understand humanitarian intervention through an awareness of both historical development and territorial reach.
2. Use the relevant information about humanitarian intervention to analyze and explain the issues of principle and practice it generates.
3. Demonstrate an awareness of ways forward for humanitarian intervention in the complex circumstances of the contemporary world.

Offer Semester and Day of Teaching

First semester (Wed)