Explain why some forms of intervention may be favoured more than others.
(8 marks)
- Start by outlining the idea that different types of intervention are favoured by different groups for different reasons. Briefly suggest which types of intervention are usually promoted by different groups.
- Then explain why a particular group would prefer that type of intervention eg. NGOs prefer peaceful interventions
- Finally, explain why another group might prefer a different type of intervention eg. Western governments using economic and military interventions
Answer
Different types of intervention are favoured by different groups for different reasons. The different types of intervention range from peaceful interventions to economic and political interventions depending on the aims of the organisations and countries involved. Some NGOs might prefer peaceful interventions, whilst some Western governments might use economic and military interventions in the name of human rights.
Human rights NGOs (e.g. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch) often seek to avoid any human rights abuses. To avoid any unintentional impacts on civilians’ human rights, these NGOs tend to favour peaceful interventions, such as petitions to put pressure on oppressive governments. For example, Amnesty International campaigns with local NGOs in Afghanistan to try to improve education for women and girls. However, since the Taliban regained control in 2021, human rights for women have deteriorated.
Superpowers are more likely to favour military interventions in order to stop human rights abuses and protect the interests of Western powers. For example, France and the UK, directed by the UN, performed airstrikes on the Libyan government in 2011 to protect civilians. The government had killed hundreds of protestors demonstrating about government corruption and the poor economic situation in Libya. This led to the introduction of a new government, who is now in conflict with rebel groups, meaning Libya remains unstable. It is claimed that the UK’s main reason for military intervention was not human rights but to gain access to more oil reserves.
