Global Security and Intelligence Studies Volume 2, Issue 1, Fall 2016 | Page 56
Global Security and Intelligence Studies
Moving Forward
Our approach captures the interactive normative expectations and dynamic
institutional and legal mechanisms that push and pull the United States into
humanitarian operations. News coverage, public engagement and opinion,
and historical milieu played significant roles in Operation Damayan. It is difficult
to assess the complex array of factors shaping the U.S. relief effort in response to
Typhoon Yolanda in isolation from previous cases. Normative factors, such as
alleviating human suffering in the immediate wake of the storm by delivering aid and
supplying developmental assistance, were consistent with those observed in the two
earlier natural disasters. Strategic considerations were also present as the United States
sought to improve its global image, build new and shore up existing alliances and
partnerships, expand its economic interests, and increase its military presence in Asia
and the Pacific.
Given that Operation Damayan involved real costs and benefits, the United
States engaged in a strategic decision to uphold and build its image and reputation
with allies while advancing its interests relative to China. U.S. participation was based
on humanitarian and human rights grounds even though strategic interests and
considerations were at stake. Self-interested motivations are integral to humanitarian
action, meaning that strategic interests cannot be separated from efforts to alleviate
human suffering (Farer 2005, 235).
References
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Iraq Looms Large Over Second Term.” http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/PollVault/
story?id=419276
Acharya, Amitav, and Barry Buzan. 2010. Non-Western International Relations Theory:
Perspectives On and Beyond Asia. London: Routledge.
Agence France-Presse. 2013. “Philippines Counts the Cost of Typhoon Haiyan.” Manilla
Bulletin, November 20. http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/11/philippines-counts-thecost-of-typhoon-haiyan/
Ashley, Richard. 1983. “Three Modes of Economism.” International Studies Quarterly
27 (4): 477–491.
Ashley, Richard. 1988. “Untying the Sovereign State: A Double Reading of the Anarchy
Problematique.” Millennium: Journal of International Studies (June): 227–262.
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