INTERVENING IN CONFLICTSGuiding Question: Is war ever justifiable?

Discussion Points

Can you think of any circumstances that would justify military intervention in another country?

Is it always best to be neutral in a conflict that does not concern you?

Laws of Going to War Appropriate Authority: War must be waged by

governments, not individuals Just Cause: Force can only be used to correct

very serious public wrongdoings Good Intention: Intention to go to war must be

sincere without any hidden agendas Last Resort: War must only be used when all

other possible means (ex: negotiations) have been attempted

Proportionate Means: The means of intervention must suit the scope of the problem

Any potential problems with these “rules”?

The Legitimacy of War

International Law states that:each country has the right to defend itself if it comes under attack, but does not permit a country to encroach on the sovereignty of other states.

MILITARY INTERVENTION

Military Intervention

International Law generally abides by the principle of Non-Interference HOWEVER three possible exceptions exist which would make it “legitimate” to have a military intervention:

Military Intervention

1. A State requests help from another country/international organization – for ex: to put down a rebellion in the country.

2. The UN Security Council may authorize a military intervention to re-establish peace or for international security

Ex: The First Gulf War (1990-’91)

Military Intervention

3. Intervening on humanitarian grounds - there may be human rights violations which may call for action (ex: genocide, to provide humanitarian assistance)

Ex: UN operations in Somalia (1992-’95)

The Biafra-Nigerian War (1967-’70) The Nigerian government wished to

crush a separatist movement in the Biafra region

A number of observers viewed some serious humanitarian concerns (famine, civilian casualties, disease)

They put a media spotlight on the conflict and called on international intervention

The Biafra-Nigerian War (1967-’70) Although the international

community did not intervene, the NON-INTERFERENCE principle came into serious question

Over 1 million people died, should the international community have stepped in earlier?

Military Intervention

In the case of any intervention, there is greater legitimacy to the action if the United Nations as a group votes to take action rather than a few countries. Also a multinational force should be involved.

NON-MILITARY INTERVENTION

Non-Military Intervention

If a country wishes to send a message to another state, they don’t have to use military force. Often there are other steps it can take:

1. Economic Sanctions: A country or group of countries may decide to not buy or sell certain products to another country.

Export ban to BelarusWeapons and diamond trade ban to Liberia

Non-Military Intervention

While this may be a good idea in certain instances, it is not always the case

Problem? Economic sanctions often hit civilians in the country hardest and not the ruling government. Also, the strategy generally favours richer nations over poorer ones.

Effect of Sanctions

Ex: Post Gulf War, the sanctions placed on Iraq by the UN were meant to reduce the capacity for Iraq to develop chemical weapons and WMDs but led to harsh effects on the people, especially children...

Effect of Sanctions Took a major humanitarian toll Lack of medicine Economically devastated country,

leading to higher unemployment, depression

Major health issues due to lack of clean water (chlorine manufacturing was banned)

Estimates range from 127,000-300,000 children died over the 7 years that followed the war due to sanctions on the country

Non-Military Intervention

Diplomatic Sanctions: A state may impose stricter visa requirements on a country it is upset with or withdraw their ambassador from the country to show their displeasure.Ex: Kenya – Dubai conflict

Role of Peacekeepers Although the UN may lead forces to

intervene militarily in a conflict zone, for the most part their role has been that of peacekeepers

These forces are often known as Blue Helmets and are made up of a group of multinational soldiers.

Role of Peacekeepers

Their functions often include ensuring both sides respect peace treaties, ceasefire agreements, protecting civilian populations, and training of local authorities.

Canada and Peacekeeping Lester B. Pearson was a top

Canadian diplomat in the 1940s-50s and later became PM of Canada

Was instrumental in the creation of the UN and is considered the Father of Blue Helmets

Won Nobel Peace Prize in 1957