Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - IS 302 D100

Humanitarian Intervention: An Introduction (4)

Class Number: 3449

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Fri, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    VANCOUVER

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores how international actors respond to humanitarian emergencies, such as famine, displacement, and genocide. Examines the political, legal, and ethical challenges of humanitarian action by focusing on contemporary cases and on key types of response, from the delivery of aid to sanctions and the use of military force. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course examines the political, ethical, and legal dimensions of humanitarian intervention, which involves the use of force to protect civilians from large-scale forms of violence (such as ethnic cleansing and genocide).

We will explore the following questions: When does the international community have a responsibility to use coercive measures in order to protect people from violence? Under what conditions is it justifiable to use military force for humanitarian purposes; and, what are the dangers or risks in doing so? In what ways have such interventions failed in the past; and, what are the conditions under which they are more likely to succeed? How do states’ interests shape decisions about humanitarian intervention? Should interveners focus narrowly on protecting civilians from immediate danger? Or, can the broader goal of regime change be justified on humanitarian grounds as well? Do interveners have a “responsibility to rebuild” in the wake of military interventions? If so, what is the scope of this obligation?

In addressing these questions, we will give particular attention to the doctrine of “Responsibility to Protect”, and to debates about its impact and future.
According to critics, humanitarian intervention often amounts to a disguised form of imperialism. How have advocates of intervention responded to this concern? Are their responses convincing?

To gain a better understanding of these issues, we will discuss the role that international actors have played in a range of important cases, such as Iraq, Somalia, Rwanda, Kosovo, and Libya.

Grading

  • In-class writing assignment 25%
  • Briefing paper (team project) 15%
  • Debate (incl. collaborative component) 15%
  • Final exam 35%
  • Participation 10%

NOTES:

The briefing paper and the debate assignment will each involve a collaborative component and an individually written component.

Briefing paper:

  • Individual component (10%)
  • Group component (5%)

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Other required readings will be available electronically online, via Canvas, or through the SFU Library.

Note: We’ll read multiple chapters from each of the required books (by Rajan Menon and Nicholas Wheeler). They are available electronically in SFU library’s collection. If you prefer to have your own copy, you can purchase these books.  

REQUIRED READING:

Rajan Menon, The Conceit of Humanitarian Intervention (Oxford, 2018)

Nicholas Wheeler, Saving Strangers (Oxford, 2002)

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.