To Intervene or Not to Intervene: Ethics of Humanitarian Intervention in Myanmar

Abstract

The Rohingya, sometimes referred to as the 'most persecuted people in the world', in 2017, once again, faced violence in Myanmar and many have been forced into displacement across international borders. More recently, in August 2018, they were in the spotlight as they observed the 'anniversary' of the spate of mass displacements. The violence faced by this group is of extreme proportions and has persisted over many decades. This article examines the issue of the Rohingya of Myanmar from the lens of global ethics and International Relations. The solution to this humanitarian crisis does not seem to be coming from inside the borders of the country. From outside, there exists the possibility of international intervention on humanitarian grounds. The article explores a possible framework for such an intervention in Myanmar by examining interests of the intervening states and those of the people of the intervened state.