The Crisis in Syria and the Responsibility to Protect (R2P)

Abstract

When the Syrian regime failed to protect its population, an intervention by the International Community would be deemed necessary according to the obligations set under the “Responsibility to Protect” norms. The intervention would have changed the nature of the war though not necessarily ended it. The Responsibility to Protect came about to address the dilemmas that powerful countries face when they decide to prevent war crimes and genocides. The crisis in Syria can be an example of how countries become hesitant to intervene when there is no foreseen direct threat or economic and geographical interest in the concerned country.