Describe what is meant by humanitarian intervention.

Humanitarian intervention refers to the action taken by external actors, often states or international organizations, that involves the use of military force with the aim of preventing or addressing severe human rights violations. This concept typically arises in situations where a population is facing genocide, ethnic cleansing, or widespread atrocities, and where the internal authorities are either unwilling or unable to protect their citizens.

The primary motivation behind humanitarian intervention is the protection of human rights and the preservation of human dignity, rather than gaining political or economic advantages. Military intervention is seen as a last resort when diplomatic measures have failed and when there is a moral imperative to act in order to prevent suffering.

This definition distinguishes humanitarian intervention from other approaches to international issues, such as purely economic aid, which does not involve the use of force and is focused on development rather than immediate human protection. Similarly, diplomatic approaches to conflicts focus on negotiations and peaceful resolutions, rather than the imposition of military force. Cultural assistance also does not pertain to the military context and is focused on promoting cultural exchange rather than addressing urgent humanitarian crises.