Civil–Military Constraints on Strategic and Operational Decision-Making in Humanitarian Intervention

Abstract

This chapter conceptualizes the liberal state’s delicate dilemma between satisfying its cosmopolitan responsibility while at the same time honouring its exclusive social contractarian obligation to its discretionary association. It examines how this dilemma impacts the political will of liberal states to act upon the responsibility to protect (R2P). The emotional bond between society, state and soldier undermines the political will of democratic governments to act upon the responsibility to protect, constraining the military leadership in its development of operational art in the case of providing security for strangers overseas.