The Limits of Common Humanity: Motivating the Responsibility to Protect in a Changing Global Order

States protect populations threatened by mass atrocities beyond their borders by appealing to the principle of common humanity, acknowledging a moral response that demands action. The Limits of Common Humanity provides an interdisciplinary response to this question, theorizing the role of humanity as a motivational concept and examining the influence of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) commitment. It highlights the challenges that have restricted its application in practice and argues for a more politically motivated response to human protection that moves beyond an appeal for morality.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 27 June 2022
Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press

The protection of populations threatened by mass atrocities beyond national borders is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted response. States and their representatives often invoke the principle of common humanity to justify their actions, recognizing the moral imperative to respond to such crises. While the concept of common humanity is powerful, its effectiveness in motivating action remains a subject of debate.

The Limits of Common Humanity, a groundbreaking interdisciplinary study, seeks to address this question by exploring the role of humanity as a motivational concept in international relations, political philosophy, and international law. The book is authored by Samuel Jarvis, who examines the influence of the concept of humanity on the creation and mission of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) commitment, while also highlighting the challenges that have restricted its practical application.

Through a comprehensive analysis, Jarvis explores the contradictory ways in which states approach the protection of human beings from mass atrocity crimes, both domestically and internationally. He theorizes the role of humanity as a motivational concept by building on insights from international relations, political philosophy, and international law.

One of the key insights of the book is that the concept of common humanity is not a standalone principle but rather interacts with other political, legal, and moral arguments during the process of collective decision-making. Jarvis argues that states often prioritize their own interests and security concerns over the protection of human beings, particularly when faced with complex and challenging situations.

The Limits of Common Humanity provides a timely reappraisal of the R2P concept and its future application. The book argues for a more politically motivated response to human protection that goes beyond an appeal for morality. Jarvis suggests that states should be held accountable for their actions and that the R2P commitment should be strengthened and expanded to include more robust measures to prevent and respond to mass atrocities.

In conclusion, The Limits of Common Humanity is a thought-provoking and important book that sheds light on the complex issue of protecting populations threatened by mass atrocities beyond national borders. By exploring the role of humanity as a motivational concept and highlighting the challenges to its practical application, the book provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate on human protection and international relations.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780228010784