Humanitarian Operations: Canadian Strategy and Strategic Level Decision Criteria for Intervention
Abstract
This paper treats the terms humanitarian operations and humanitarian intervention synonymously and defines the two as the military response, in either a permissive or non-permissive environment, to a humanitarian crisis. The paper begins by demonstrating that widespread international support, the UN Charter, global economic interests, and moral/ethical obligations all serve to legitimize the argument for intervention. Using an ends-ways-means framework, it discusses the origins and impact of Canada's foreign policy - defense strategy disconnect as it relates to humanitarian operations and concludes the present foreign policy of active intervention is nearly bankrupt from a military means perspective. Following a review of policy alternatives, the paper recommends the Canadian government undertake humanitarian operations in accordance with a selective engagement strategy and the following strategic level decision criteria: humanitarian cause, national interests, risk analysis, and the level of international support.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 10, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA377587
Entities
People
- John M. Turner
Organizations
- United States Army War College