Interventionism and Human Security

The conflict in Syria is inexorably turning into a quagmire as more entities get dragged into the sludge. From a hands-off policy to one of humanitarian support, the West has progressed to arming rebels, while Russia has shown that it is determined not to let down its ally by continuing arms shipments to the Assad regime. Meanwhile, other actors are chipping in to add to the misery; the latest reports refer to Sudan sending arms to rebels through (and financed by) Qatar.1 As the crisis meanders into its third year, the chant of greater proactiveness from human security proponents is getting louder, reminiscent of international interventions of the past two decades in various parts of the world.