An analysis of neutrality in the context of humanitarian intervention authorised by the UN : a case study on Malta's involvement in the Libyan crisis

Abstract

Amongst the recent events which have left a prominent impact on the Mediterranean region was the Libyan Crisis. No one had thought that the Libyan people would revolt in such a manner against the previous regime. Needless to say, this attracted international reactions and the Libyan Intervention is regarded as the first time that the concept of Responsibility to Protect was initiated. The Intervention was not a smooth one as it hro11ght various challenges and ambiguity on which was the right authority to carry out such action and how action was to be pursued. Upon the passing of Resolution 1970 and 1973 action was initiated in Libya and Malta participated in channelling humanitarian aid and hosting NATO aircraft and warships within its territory. In view of such a situation, debates arose as to whether such action impinged on Malta's neutrality and whether neutral states have an obligation to undertake action along with other members of supranational institutions or not. This is what the research intends to answer as since the Libyan Crisis erupted there were various suggestions as to whether neutrality still applies in today's international system given the fact that membership in international institutions might hamper pursuing such policy or not. There are also doubts as to whether there is still the need for states to claim neutrality in the face of a reduced risk of eruption of an international conflict in a world of enhanced interdependence or whether states should be obliged to partake in conflicts occurring in their immediate neighbourhood.