1 December 2011

Does humanitarian intervention work?

Interview opportunity: Dr. Norrie MacQueen can be contacted in advance of the event through the University Press Office, 01382 384768.

Over recent years the idea of military humanitarian intervention has never been far from media attention.

On one hand, the so-called ‘CNN effect’ has put pressure on often reluctant governments to ‘do something’ when graphic accounts of violence across the world are projected into their voters' living rooms.

On the other, less reputable, hand, governments themselves have found it useful to claim the status of humanitarian intervention for military actions with suspect motives. If Kosovo and Libya were humanitarian interventions, what about Afghanistan - or even Iraq? Perhaps all interventions are driven ultimately by self-interest?

It's no surprise then that it’s often not clear exactly what ‘proper’ humanitarian intervention is - nor whether it serves any useful purpose. In short, before we can say whether it works, we need to know what ‘it’ is. And, of course, we need to know what we mean by 'works'.

The latest session of Dundee Arts Café, taking place on Tuesday December 7th, will see Dr Norrie MacQueen from the University of Dundee trying to unpick these questions, drawing on recent events around the globe.

The event is free and open to all. Dr. MacQueen’s talk will last around 30 minutes, followed by the opportunity for members of the audience to quiz the expert and discuss topics openly.

No pre-booking is required. Seats are limited to eighty people, allocated on a first-come first-serve basis.

Please arrive early to avoid disappointment. Doors will open at 5:30pm.

After last year’s highly successful season, Dundee Arts Cafe has returned with a new season of nine talks based on local cutting edge research and work in the Arts and Humanities.

Upcoming events in the series include ‘How Online Audiences Influence Digital Design’ on 7th February 2012 and a discussion on ‘Designing Cities for Post-Riot Britain’ on 6th March.

Notes for Editors

Photo opportunity at the event from 5:40pm until end of event, approx. 7:30pm. Dr. MacQueen and the organisers will be available for brief interviews from 5:40-5:55pm and at the end of the event.

Dundee Arts Café showcases the best of local research in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Started in September 2011 it is a joint venture between the University of Dundee, Abertay University and The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum.

For further information please contact Jon Urch, 01382 386669 or email j.urch@dundee.ac.uk.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277