In the footsteps of Hammarskjold : the United Nations and interventions for security and development

Abstract

The league of Nations, established afeter the first World War as an institution global governance, already included in principle forms of intervention into affairs of member states (not least through the instutionalisation of trusteeships and the establishment of international Court in The Hague) as a mechanism to contribute to international peace and security. This article reviews the development of this interventionist role, its practical forms and the normative justifications of the United Nations. it explores the ambiguities of such interventions since Dag Hammanskjold as second Secretary-General shaped some of the principles and values underlying a global responsibility to protect people from beong killed by those occupying state power. The understanding and insights of four prominet mediatators and seasoned diplomats are used as a particular point of reference, while the changing concepts within the United Nations system with regard to humanitarian relief missions, the responsibility to protect and rule of law are the general notions explored and analysed with a focus on and perspective from Africa.