«Humanitarian Intervention» in the 21st Century: Political Science Analysis of Civilian Infrastructure Bombing

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive political science analysis of the transformation of the «humanitarian intervention» concept in XXI century international relations and its interrelation with the practice of systematic attacks on civilian infrastructure during modern armed conflicts. The research aims to identify conceptual contradictions between humanitarian rhetoric and actual warfare strategies that lead to large-scale violations of international humanitarian law and civilian suffering, as observed during the Russian-Ukrainian war.

The study employs an interdisciplinary approach combining methods of comparative political analysis, critical discourse analysis of political narratives, case studies, and historical-political analysis. The methodological foundation of the research is based on theoretical concepts of political realism, liberal internationalism, critical theory, and postcolonial studies, allowing the examination of the «humanitarian intervention» phenomenon from various theoretical perspectives.

The research reveals significant discrepancies between the declared humanitarian goals of military interventions and their actual consequences for civilian populations. It establishes that the concept of «humanitarian intervention» has undergone a substantial transformation from its initial purpose of protecting populations to a tool for legitimizing the geopolitical interests of major powers. The study identifies key political narratives («protection», «liberation», «reconstruction») used to justify attacks on civilian infrastructure. Using the Russian-Ukrainian war as an example, it demonstrates how the rhetoric of «denazification» and «demilitarization» accompanies systematic bombardments of civilian objects, creating a humanitarian crisis for millions of people.

The research findings indicate the necessity for a fundamental reconsideration of the «humanitarian intervention» concept based on principles of inclusivity, democracy, and effective protection of civilian populations. The article proposes ways to strengthen international legal mechanisms of accountability for attacks on civilian infrastructure, including expanding the jurisdiction of international judicial institutions, developing technologies for monitoring and documenting violations, and implementing effective sanctioning mechanisms against states and individuals responsible for these violations. It outlines prospects for forming a new paradigm of international humanitarian law that will address the challenges of modern warfare.