The Controversy over Humanitarian Intervention and Responsibility to Protect
The Controversy over Humanitarian Intervention and Responsibility to Protect

Summary/Abstract: There can be little doubt that protection of civilians from systematic violence became a top priority on the contemporary international agenda. Yet, there are still clashes over longstanding questions related to the use of military force to save suffering strangers. This discussion paper outlines the persistent controversy over the concept of ‘humanitarian intervention’ and its relation to the more recent concept of the ‘responsibility to protect’, which is perceived – inaccurately – as the primary framework for legitimizing the use of coercive measures against irresponsible and failing states. Based on a related discussion of the debates surrounding the two key crisis situations of the 90s, those of Rwanda and Kosovo, the paper identifies unresolved tensions within the international community over competing international norms which prevent any longer-term consensus on or internalization of humanitarian intervention as a standard of appropriate action.

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