How is the concept of hybridity useful in thinking about third party humanitarian interventions? Case Studies: Bougainville and Solomon Islands

Abstract

How one should carry out state-building humanitarian interventions responsibly and with positive outcomes has been called one of the primary problems of international relations today (Fry and Kabutaulaka 2008, 2-3). In the Pacific region, this is further complicated by recent colonial history, extreme power differences between states and increasing regionalism. The aim of my study is to assess two peace-building interventions, one in Bougainville and one in the Solomon Islands, in terms of their ability to build stable governance and lasting peace. To do this, I will be looking through the lens of hybridity - a term recently popularised in peace studies literature (Clements et al 2007; Mac Ginty 2011; Richmond 2009 & 2010). Using 'hybrid-sensitivity' as a way of assessing interventions could be a way forward in terms of assessing how foreign interventions can deal with the problems associated with national sovereignty, post- and/ or neo-colonialism and our responsibility to protect others elsewhere - and to secure security within the region.