PREVAILING NEOREALISM: EXPLAINING HOW INTERNATIONAL POLITICS HINDERS HUMANITARIAN INTERVENTION IN SYRIAN CIVIL WAR

Abstract

Inspired by the grave humanitarian crisis on Syria in 2011, this thesis will examine the occurrence of humanitarian intervention from the perspective of Neorealism. As such, on rational choice bases; power-relations, national interests, geostrategic considerations, and domestic support will heavily influence the discussion. Since rationale approach will look at the states as a "unitary-self-conscious" actor, there will only be limited account taken for non-state actor's involvement in the discussion. This research will explain how the international law and norms clashed with basic state survival concept in light of humanitarian intervention concept, with the question of how intervention could not happen in Syria while it can happen in previous instances through analytical method to answer its explanatory objectives. In this research, the author found that Neorealism view is still by and large governing the interactions within international relations. It can be seen when there is a conflict between idea of humanitarian norms and national interest; national interest still prevails (in this case strategic-survival level that could overshadow other form of interest). Difference of interest between U.S and Russia in the case of humanitarian crisis hinders any form of humanitarian intervention from happening in Syria. In short, a humanitarian intervention will not happen if the intervening state security-survival is at risk and/or that risk is not accompanied by commensurate gains. IO's-in this case UN Security Council-become an extension of realist view as resources for states to be utilized to advance their interest. The R2P as a norm is still heavily leaning towards non-interventionism as what adopted in 2005 world summit. Nevertheless, if there is a shift to the end point of interventionism, the reasonable prospects clause in R2P could be reconsidered. Finally, this author hopes that this thesis could give the reader an insight of humanitarian intervention practice through the lenses of Neorealism; theoretically and practically.