CHINA’S “RESPONSIBLE PROTECTION” CONCEPT: A CONSTRUCTIVE RE-INTERPRETATION OF R2P?

Andrew Garwood-Gowers (Queensland University of Technology)a.garwood-gowers@qut.edu.au

CENTRAL ARGUMENTS Responsible Protection (RP) represents a more

restrictive interpretation of R2P’s pillar III Post-Libya controversy reflects deeper

contestation over R2P’s content, scope and implications for international order

Global shifts in power point to the emergence of a more diverse, pluralistic international order

- RP and Brazil’s RwP initiatives are examples of rising, non-Western powers asserting their own normative preferences on sovereignty, intervention and global governance

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KEY FEATURES OF RP

Developed by Dr Ruan Zongze – China Institute of International Studies (CIIS)

RP proposes 6 elements which are intended to safeguard against the risk of abuse of pillar III

Resurrects decision-making criteria or guidelines from earlier R2P proposals (e.g. ICISS, High Level Panel Report)

Shifts the focus away from protection of individuals and back towards the responsibilities of intervening states

RP’s significance? - Deeper insights into Beijing’s current position on R2P- How China views itself and its role in the world

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COMPARING RP, RWP AND THE ICISS REPORT

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COMPARING RP, RWP AND THE ICISS REPORTPrinciple/guideline

ICISS 2001 R2P Report

Brazil’s RwP China’s Responsible Protection (RP)

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ASSESSING RP

Draws heavily on Brazil’s RwP, ICISS report But a stricter, narrower conception of pillar III than those

earlier initiatives Reflects both principled and pragmatic concerns over

R2P e.g. sovereignty, non-interference arguments plus fears about regime change and de-stabilisation

China prefers negotiation and dialogue over coercive measures (military and non-military)

RP shifts the focus back to a state-centric approach (versus a protection of individuals approach)

Consistent with China’s broader vision of global order based on strong, stable states

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RP AND THE FUTURE OF R2P? RP may point to a general shift towards

China adopting a more activist global stance: “China must have the courage to speak out

and contribute its ideas to the world even though it means China will face more difficult and complicated options”

China likely to remain sceptical about non-consensual pillar III measures

Recent practice points to consensual pillar II measures as the main form of international action

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