The success of non military intervention Flashcards
Intervention in the Ivory Coast
The Ivory Coast gained independence in 1960 and was renowned for its political stability for 30 years with a strong economy based on coffee and cocoa.
In 1999 rebel groups attempted to overthrow the government causing the outbreak of a civil war in September 2002 between Muslims in the North and Christians in the South. In response, UN peacekeepers were dispatched and temporarily re-established peace.
In the 2010 Presidential elections, incumbent president Lauren Gbagbo was narrowly beaten by Alassane Outarra and refused to step down as president. this resulted in another short but violent civil war. UN peacekeepers were once again dispatched, aiming to protect civilians promote human rights and bring about the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of the warring factions.
7000 peacekeepers still work in the Ivory Coast despite the Human Rights Report of 2015 stating little has been done in dealing with the war’s aftermath, especially on human rights
Intervention in Timor Leste
Timor-Leste declared independence from Portugal in 1975 but was invaded by Indonesia 9 days later. The UN called for Indonesia’s withdrawal. The invasion resulted in the determination of human rights with torture becoming frequent and by 1999 2,000,000 had been killed by violence, disease and famine.
in 1982, the UN began diplomatic efforts with Indonesia and the Portuguese government to resolve the conflict. this resulted in a vote of independence with 78.5% in favour.
Anti-independence militias grew in Timor-Leste, supported by Indonesia, and began campaigning violently, resulting in 7000 deaths and 400,000 being displaced.
In response the US and UK issued trade embargoes on Indonesia and the UN intensified its diplomatic efforts and pressuring the Indonesian government to maintain security and deliver humanitarian aid.
Indonesia then withdrew in 1999, however, this left Timor-Leste lacking skilled workers. The UN took over to maintain law and order and establish conditions for development.
Today, freedom of speech and the media are protected in Timor-Leste by law however the legal system lacks a fair trial and police brutality is frequent.
The collapse of the USSR
The USS dissolved in 1991. Former soviet controlled countries in Eastern Europe adopted democracies with market economies and Russia has moved towards a capitalist economic system but remains a 1 party state.
Economic growth in China
GDP in 1976 - 124th in the World
GDP today - 2nd in the World
Population in 1976 - 0.9bn
Population today - >1.4 bn
Despite remaining a communist 1 party state, China’s economic growth can be largely accredited to its increasing involvement in the global capitalist economy. Despite this growth to China’s economy has had huge environmental costs and persistent human rights violations.
By 2015, its economic growth showed signs of starting to slow as its population had adopted a consumerist lifestyle. It is uncertain whether China will continue to value economic development over human rights and environmental quality in the future and if such rapid development could’ve been made without an authoritarian government with greater respect for the environment and human rights (due to the financial cost)
US’ involvement in improving health in Afghanistan
Between 2004 and 2010, life expectancy in Afghanistan rose from 42 to 62 and infant mortality dropped ( an estimated 100,000 fewer children died)
This success shows the effectiveness of humanitarian aid over military aid as military aid was ineffective and had little long-term impact as schools and clinics were built in areas of high seismic activity and without budgeting for nurses and teachers, these buildings had unstable walls and were thus vulnerable to seismic activity.
After the Taliban were removed from power in October 2001, the public health system collapsed. Aid donors and the Afghan government provided basic packages, costing $4.50 per person to 90% of the population> between 2004 and 2010, the percentage of clinics meeting minimum staffing levels rose from 40% to 90% and 80% of these clinics met the 750 new outpatient visits (an increase from 20%) this shows the effectiveness of development aid when the donor and recipient governments work together.
