The Responsibility to Protect

Aidan Hehir's thoughtful and crisply-written book is essential reading for those who believe that our ability to cope with the future must begin with frank self-criticism and continue with relentless assessment of past events, mistakes, and illusions. While I disagree with some of his conclusions, his argument cannot be ignored by honest members of the R2P choir or by R2P agnostics and atheists.' - Thomas G. Weiss, City University of New York, USA 'Aidan Hehir's critique of the 'responsibility to protect' warns against relying on moral suasion alone to change behaviour. While not all will agree with his proposed solutions, his efforts to take the word 'responsibility' seriously should be considered by all those who believe that coercive action is sometimes necessary.' - Jennifer M. Welsh, University of Oxford, UK 'In summary, the book is excellent value for money; provides an accomplished introduction to the R2P debates; should be regarded as core reading on any related reading list; and will shape the R2P debate for years to come. Although the conclusions will undoubtedly divide readers, the author should be credited for putting his head above the parapet and offering concrete normative suggestions.' -Adrian Gallagher, University of Leeds, UK, International Affairs

The notion of a responsibility to protect (R2P) has come to dominate debates about humanitarian intervention. This important new book provides a systematic assessment of its evolution and gives a careful critique of its limits in mapping out alternative avenues for the prevention of - and responses to - humanitarian crises.From Kosovo to Libya, humanitarian intervention is seldom out of the news. While the 'Responsibility to Protect' (R2P) has often been at the centre of these debates, its effectiveness as a means of preventing and resolving mass atrocities is disputed. The book provides a systematic overview of the theory and practice of R2P, and examines how the doctrine has been interpreted and implemented since it was first conceived. Aidan Hehir argues that, while it has undeniably raised international consciousness regarding humanitarian intervention, R2P has not significantly improved the international response to large-scale intra-state crises. Hehir advances an alternative strategy involving a strengthening of international law – based around obligations rather than discretionary rights – and major structural reform to the United Nations. Broad-ranging and insightful, this innovative text provides a clear grasp of the key issues and debates surrounding humanitarian intervention and advances a major new critique of R2P.