Foreign Intervention: A Case for Humility

Abstract

The opening lines of F.A. Harper's 1951 article, "In Search of Peace," read as follows: "Charges of pacifism are likely to be hurled at anyone who in these troubled times raises any question about the race into war. If pacifism means embracing the objective of peace, I am willing to accept the charge. If it means opposing all aggression against others, I am willing to accept that charge also. It is now urgent in the interest of liberty that many persons become "peacemongers"." Harper’s words are as relevant as when he first wrote them. My goal is to urge all of you to fully embrace Harper’s call. I provide four reasons why I am highly skeptical of foreign military intervention.

Keywords: Foreign interventions, war, conflict, nation building, F.A. Harper