In the New York Times Magazine, David Rieff examines the gap between principle and practice when it comes to humanitarian intervention, and asks a profound question:
“Are we talking about people in desperate need of aid or are we talking about ourselves when we debate such matters?“
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Ramesh Thakur - one of the original R2P commissioners, is critical of suggestions to apply R2P to natural disasters.
He admits that the original report identified ‘overwhelming natural or environmental catastrophes, where the state concerned is either unwilling or unable to cope, and significant loss of life is occurring or threatened‘ as among the conscience-shocking situations [...]
He’s nothing if not consistent. Alex De Waal continues to equate R2P with armed intervention, which he says would be counterproductive in Darfur.
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In The Bottom Billion, Paul Collier advocated military intervention to expel aggressors, maintain post-conflict peace and prevent coups. The Eldis Conflict & Security Blog discusses some responses:
“Is it wise to intervene in conflict? Should foreign governments and international institutions take immediate action to avert possible civilian casualties? Or is the priority to ensure ‘stability’ (which [...]