Philosophy
The Ethics of Humanitarian Intervention and State Sovereignty
Quick fact
The United Nations recognized the 'Responsibility to Protect' in 2005, but it has been invoked fewer times than skeptics expected—only a handful of interventions like Libya in 2011. The tension between state sovereignty and humanitarian intervention remains unresolved in international law, as states often block action by citing sovereignty.
Why this is interesting
We’re taught to respect national borders, yet we’re also taught that some crimes are so evil they must be stopped. When a government slaughters its own people, which principle wins: sovereignty or humanity?