Misguided Responsibility?

Scott Nason / April 09, 2011

The Obama Administration’s explanations for why the U.S. intervened in Libya reveal a common, disconcerting theme: a reliance upon the relatively new idea of a “responsibility to protect” (R2P).

In a letter to Congress, President Obama announced that Libyan dictator Muammar Qadhafi “has forfeited his responsibility to protect his own citizens.” And, in his speech to the nation explaining the military operations against Libya’s leader, he said “we have a responsibility to act.”

Where does this idea come from? It appears to have gained prominence in a report commissioned by the United Nations in 2001. At first glance, this idea seems to be something that many people would support, but in practice, R2P conflicts with American national interests. As Heritage Vice President Kim Holmes put it, R2P is “riddled with contradictions” and is “pure sophistry.” (more…)