International Interventions and Protection of Civilians

This course takes its starting point in the Responsibility to Protect. We trace the origins of the current norm that the international community has a responsibility to protect civilians when governments themselves are unable or unwilling to do so. We cover different forms of international interventions - such as military interventions, peacekeeping, sanctions, and diplomacy - and discuss their potential impact with regards to protecting civilians. Based on theories and empirical research, we analyze both the prospects and challenges for civilian protection through international intervention. The focus is on how various forms of intervention influence the capacity and incentives for actors to target civilians.