Ethical Considerations in Humanitarian Efforts
Abstract
The author of this article explores the ethical issues of humanitarian assistance as an operational tool of influence during conflict outside of the United States. The analysis includes the application of Just War tradition in the military and the subsequent role of Just War tradition in humanitarian efforts. Using the War on Afghanistan, the article then provides the reader with a venue for considering ethical challenges that exist when military force is used to employ humanitarian intervention. The author posits that the use of humanitarian efforts as a tool to win the hearts and support of the people during military campaigns outside of the United States have not been successful – such is the case with Afghanistan. Additionally, the ethical aspects of humanitarian interventions cannot be legitimized by Just War theory. Finally, the manipulation of humanitarian assistance efforts run counter to established principles governing international humanitarian laws. The points of the article are used to facilitate discussion for the following question: Is it ethical to use humanitarian assistance as an operational tool of influence during conflict?
