Power is defined as ‘the ability or capacity to do something or act in a particular way’. Foreign intervention is when nations, or organizations are able, or obliged to intervene in the affairs of another nation. Responsibility is defined as ‘the state or being accountable for something’, and means that a state must behave what is deemed as ‘morally right’. Why must ‘great power’ be wielded with ‘great responsibility’? If not done so, this power may have severe repercussions, and the potential to affect, even harm many people.
A nation or organization’s desire to intervene in foreign affairs can be attributed to two main reasons : self serving interests, or altruism. However, one cannot place their faith on the responsibility of those with great power. Thus, regulations must be implemented, ensuring parties act responsibility, that power is not abused, and that it does not do more harm than good.
Irresponsible foreign intervention often brings about chaos and destruction. This can be seen during the Soviet Afghan war. In 1979, the USSR deployed the 40th Army in Afghanistan, staging a coup and installing Soviet loyalist Babrak Karmal. The Soviets received international backlash, both from the Islamic Conference, and the United Nations. Soon, Afghan insurgents began receiving aid and military training from the United States and its allies. …show more content…
Faced with the backlash from the world, the US might have felt an obligation to act. It can also be attributed to a desire to curb communism and Soviet influence. The Americans saw the Soviets intervention as a way to spread communism, threatening democracy. The Americans had been courting some Middle Eastern countries, and Soviet influence over Afghanistan might prove a threat to the US power. Additionally, they might have felt that it was their responsibility to help the Afghans in their fight against the oppressive and bloody regime of the
A nation or organization’s desire to intervene in foreign affairs can be attributed to two main reasons : self serving interests, or altruism. However, one cannot place their faith on the responsibility of those with great power. Thus, regulations must be implemented, ensuring parties act responsibility, that power is not abused, and that it does not do more harm than good.
Irresponsible foreign intervention often brings about chaos and destruction. This can be seen during the Soviet Afghan war. In 1979, the USSR deployed the 40th Army in Afghanistan, staging a coup and installing Soviet loyalist Babrak Karmal. The Soviets received international backlash, both from the Islamic Conference, and the United Nations. Soon, Afghan insurgents began receiving aid and military training from the United States and its allies. …show more content…
Faced with the backlash from the world, the US might have felt an obligation to act. It can also be attributed to a desire to curb communism and Soviet influence. The Americans saw the Soviets intervention as a way to spread communism, threatening democracy. The Americans had been courting some Middle Eastern countries, and Soviet influence over Afghanistan might prove a threat to the US power. Additionally, they might have felt that it was their responsibility to help the Afghans in their fight against the oppressive and bloody regime of the