Military-Humanitarian

interventions have become an integral part of the political make up of the post-cold war world, often situated at the intersection of the demands of humanitarianism, security, development and human rights.

In this course, you will be introduced to different forms and definitions of intervention, exploring in particular 'Humanitarian Interventions' undertaken by military forces, the United Nations, and a range of global institutional actors such as humanitarian and relief organisations and development agencies. Drawing on an understanding of contemporary warfare and security, you will examine the key debates and case examples of military-humanitarian interventions since the end of the Cold War and consider their evolution over that time.

The primary questions underpinning the course are 'why' do interventions occur and 'how' do they unfold in practice as examined from ethical, legal and political perspectives. Conceptual mapping will allow you to determine what does and does not constitute a humanitarian intervention, its relationship to international law, the character of peacekeeping missions, as well as considering key questions of gender, doctrines such as R2P, as well as state-building. A range of contemporary case studies will be drawn on from around the world, assisting you to make connections between the theory and practice of interventions.