Doomed to passivity? An exploration of origins of intra-state violence and possibilities for constructive intervention.

Abstract

Following the death of several hundred people during 'ethnic' rioting in Burundi, a repetition of previous genocides seemed imminent. Belgium and France, not surprisingly, contemplated the evacuation of their citizens from that country. One of the oldest responsibilities of a government is, after all, to safeguard the lives and property of its subjects abroad. And yet, as so often, the question arose: What is being done for all those other human beings? Who gives a thought to their safety? Are outsiders indeed doomed to passivity? Or are there actually possibilities for intervention in such intra-state conflicts? To answer these questions, we must first have some insight into origins of such conflicts.