(CL) What Can We Do To Stop People From Harming Others?

"The idea that force should be used to relieve the suffering of others predates the 1990s" (Edkins and Zehfuss -- Global Politics: A New Introduction 2009) And I think anyone who believes that idea should predate the 90s too.

That force could resolve suffering is an equation that can't be resolved. How anyone could believe that is beyond me. It really doesn't add up.

"Christian Europe had the self-appointed civilizing mission to those outside the faith." (Edkins and Zehfuss -- Global Politics: A New Introduction 2009)
Even to this day, the United Nation Charter sanctions force in "necessary interventions" in developing countries whose individuals are at risk of harm.

Yes, quite. The keyword being "self-appointed."

I think the concept is completely absurd. If you look at the individual occurrences from one point of view, you would think that it makes sense when you are on the benefiting end of the deal. Realistically speaking, the action one country can take is limited if they always have to consider the collective good of humanity.

But an effective way of stopping people from harming others? I don't think that really should involve force at all. What is that saying? Enmity breeds enmity. I mean, if someone should force anyone through violent means not to harm anyone, they are essentially, harming that other party. It's such a paradox that I can't suspend disbelief for it.

And then there's a fact that some countries do this as they see fit, to help "free" other, less fortunate countries, from suffering. But as they see fit may not be the whole picture. They may think that they are helping, when in fact they could only be making it worse. And I think the audacity with coming that you say you know what's best for someone else is pure bullshit. How can you possibly assume that you know what's best for someone else, when you possibly don't see the entire situation? Essentially, that's my stand on the use of force to "relieve" suffering. More likely it simply makes people relive suffering.

As to what we can do to stop harm... Then I guess the only answer is to come at it from more peaceful means. It might seem less effective and more time consuming, but I think that's the non-paradoxical way to do it.


EDIT:

Just wanted to add a quotation.

“Bombing for peace is like fucking for virginity.”
— John Lennon