ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the principle of the responsibility to protect (R2P) in international politics. It sets out the nature of the R2P principle and how it emphasizes human security as a requirement to state security; R2P highlights the sovereignty of human beings and how state sovereignty is derived from the people. State sovereignty implies the obligation of each government to protect its people and to promote state functions that are necessary to promote good lives. R2P is a new international principle that may transform international politics. It has evolved due to the new post-Cold War era, but also because many state governments, IOs, global bodies, and individual leaders have spoken out on protecting and promoting human security. The chapter observes that with the inability of the UN to adequately address the Syrian humanitarian crisis, an examination is needed of the role for international organizations under R2P.
