ABSTRACT

Generally, we tend to think that mass atrocities and attempted genocides call for humanitarian intervention by other states. This chapter draws primarily on principles and arguments found in just war theory, pacifism, international relations, and analytic political philosophy more generally. In addition to nonviolent intervention trainings, which primarily target adults, pacifists committed to intervening to prevent mass atrocity and genocide could also begin a campaign of teaching empathy worldwide, in particular to children. McFarland (2016) argues that prejudice is one of the root causes of mass atrocity, and Allport (1979) argues that prejudice partially comes about because of a lack of empathy. The chapter sets out the shape of the debate on humanitarian intervention as a whole, and argues that pacifism has more to say about, and in response to, mass atrocity and genocide than is generally recognized. It shows that pacifism can call for various kinds of effective nonviolent and non-lethal interventions and intervention-like policies and activities.