Project Summary

For two consecutive years, the foundation's annual weeklong conference on the future of the United Nations focused on the issue of when force can and should be used to quell humanitarian crises.

The consensus among participants at the 2001 conference, which included UN ambassadors from six countries, was that intervention is sometimes warranted, but should be reserved for egregious situations such as mass killing or displacement. While strongly affirming the key role of the UN Security Council as the proper authorizing body for intervention, options were explored for times when the council is unwilling or unable to act—particularly the role of regional and subregional organizations. Aware that national sovereignty remains an organizing principle of the international community, participants discussed a conception of sovereignty rooted in the responsibility of governments to protect basic human rights such as the right to physical safety. The discussion benefited from the participation of individuals associated with the International Commission on Intervention and State Sovereignty, including Commission Chair Gareth Evans.

Reports and policy bulletins are available online.

Using "Any Means Necessary" for Humanitarian Crisis Response (PDF 303K)
The Stanley Foundation's 36th annual United Nations of the Next Decade Conference. June 2001
Policy Bulletin

Problems and Prospects for Humanitarian Intervention (PDF 388K)
The Stanley Foundation's 35th annual United Nations of the Next Decade Conference. June 2000
Policy Bulletin