Should the United States Intervene in International Conflicts: Why, When, and How?

Abstract

This comment analyzes the state of international interventions that are often couched in terms of protecting humanity, specifically the civilian population of a state.2 In many instances, interventions are undertaken as a result of internal conflict, which is generally the impetus for regime change. The global community is concerned not only about intervention but also failure to intervene, which often leads to critiques about the underlying rationale and effects of either decision. These concerns are couched under various rubrics, but the "rule of law" is often cited as a guiding light that determines the rights and duties based on: customary international law, treaty law, jus cogens3 concepts, and the evolving nature of international law.4 The questions often come to, are we our brothers' and sisters' keepers?5 The legal and moral bases for intervention are inherently part of