Moral dilemmas for humanitarianism in the era of “humanitarian” military interventions

Western governments to legitimize a new and sometimes controversial security agenda. The use of humanitarian reasons to justify international military interventions, combined with the fact that the governments involved in these military operations are usually also the main financiers of the humanitarian system, has led to revived discussions among international humanitarian organizations and NGOs on the ethical principles of humanitarian action. This article deals with a number of moral dilemmas humanitarian organizations are faced with when they — often unwillingly — become part of political and military strategies to reduce conflict and build peace, notably in the aftermath of “humanitarian” military interventions. Recent international operations in Cambodia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq will serve as examples.