No Room For Humanitarianism in 3D Policies: Have Forcible Humanitarian Interventions and Integrated Approaches Lost Their Way?

Abstract

This paper will review the evolution of integrated and 3D approaches and seek to highlight the different responses to such approaches shown by classic humanitarian organizations and multi-mandate development organizations. By providing an overview of past forcible humanitarian interventions and with a particular focus on Afghanistan, we will trace the practical and ethical challenges faced by aid agencies attempting to maintain programming in such contexts.

In so doing it will be suggested that the 3D approach emphasizing coherence between different instruments, while motivated by good intentions, has resulted in humanitarian and development aid programming becoming subordinated to political interests in counterproductive ways. In fact, in Afghanistan the co-optation of soft power for political and military ends has led to reduced humanitarian assistance for populations in danger and to increased insecurity for humanitarians trying to assist them – thereby effectively exposing clear limits to the deeper integration strategies currently being promoted for stabilizing failed states.