The Change of Global Perception

- The Shift in International Norms -

The conclusion of World War I did not decrease the humanitarian philanthropy outcry.  Although the battlefields of France drew silent, the toll of war continued to affect the population of Europe during the interwar period.  Depression, hyperinflation, and extreme economic woes – coupled with governments that were unable to meet the needs of their citizens - cemented the welcomed benefit associated with humanitarian associated interventions.  This need was highlighted by two important events, which embedded the importance of international organizations:  The formal recognition of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the establishment of the “League of Nations”.

Having had practical application in the battlefields of World War I, the International Red Cross continued aid in the relief of suffering experienced after the war.  The philanthropy exhibited on the battlefield was welcomed by those in need and encouraged openly by governments, such as France and Germany.  From these experiences, acceptance of third party assistance began to infiltrate international political discourse and set the conditions for the emergence of a new international norm.

  The establishment of the League of Nations was an attempt to construct a forum for “international conversation” that would foster an atmosphere of everlasting peace.  Unfortunately, history demonstrates that this first attempt at an international forum of resolution conflict could not meet its goals – the League of Nations ultimately folded as nations' began to mobilize for a new war.  Despite dissolution, this efforts initial adoption indicates that the concept of individual national sovereignty was being redefined and that interpretations of accountability within the community of nations was shifting.

It is important to highlight that the interwar period was not absent of military intervention.  In particular, the United States was involved significantly within Latin America and the Caribbean during the so-called “Banana Wars”.  While the deployment of military forces engaged in latent nation building, their true purpose was to safeguard United States’ economic interests and corporations.  These business-focused interventions were mired with intergovernmental interaction, corporate interests, and unfair economic practices.  Due to this, the worldwide perception of the rationale of intervention was becoming openly challenged – which also signified a changing dynamic of global norms.

These events may seem insignificant within a historical narrative; they appear isolated and without relation.  However, they are indeed deeply intertwined and indicative of shifting beliefs, privilege, and responsibilities.  The League of Nations was first tested by Germany’s aggression and military expansion in the late 1930’s.  While the global community wrestled with diplomatic solutions, the inability to arrive at consensus was stymied by the accepted boundaries of sovereignty. When the global war machine began to march – this lesson was not forgotten and was incorporated into future discussions regarding responsibilities to protect countries and the citizens within.