In this module, we think about the origins and definition of humanitarian intervention, focusing on: (i) why it is both politically important and controversial – it has been invoked many times to justify military action, but there are doubts around its legitimacy and effectiveness; (ii) its basis in just war theory and the emergence of international human rights law after the World Wars; (iii) its increased importance following the end of the Cold War and the factors behind this, such as US hegemony in international politics and the growth of a global civil society committed to human rights; (iv) how it differs from other, similar types of action, such as humanitarian aid, UN peacekeeping, and conventional warfare; (v) Dr Hehir’s composite definition, which identifies several agreed-upon features of humanitarian intervention, for example it must involve the deployment of military force and include humanitarian concern as part of its justification.

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This lecture is part of a larger course exploring humanitarian intervention. The full course can be found here: massolit.io/courses/humanitarian-intervention?source=yt

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MASSOLIT works with university academics to produce short video lectures in the arts, sciences, humanities and social sciences. It is available to schools and colleges on an institutional license as well as via private subscription: massolit.io/?source=yt