Ethical and philosophical justification of strategies for intervention in conflict situations to prevent genocidal practices in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war

Abstract

The aim of this article is to analyse the warning signs of mass violence and identification of ethically justified strategies for intervention in conflict situations to prevent genocidal practices in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

Methods. General scientific research methods were used, including historical, philosophical, ethical, legal, and cultural aspects of the analysis of mass violence and genocidal practices.

Results. Referring to international law made it possible to identify the specific nature of genocide as a ‘crime of crimes’ and crimes against humanity. An analysis of contemporary studies of genocide and mass crimes made it possible to examine the warning signs of mass violence – economic crises, ‘us and them’ politics, hate speech, discriminatory legislation, state repression – and to identify ways of preventing genocidal practices. Consideration of the conditions under which a state is unable to protect its citizens from mass violence provided grounds for justifying the moral duty of the international community to intervene in a conflict situation in order to protect the population. The main problems in implementing the concept of the ‘responsibility to protect’ are related to the possible manipulativeness of the parties to the conflict.

Conclusions. The study allows us to classify the criminal actions of the Russian Federation in Ukraine as genocidal practices. The development of balanced economic and social policies, the formation of an inclusive political system, state support and development of the humanities and arts, and affirmative action policies can serve as a safeguard against mass violence. The ethical justification for the moral duty of the international community to intervene in the affairs of a state where violence is being committed is based on the universal value of human rights. The effectiveness of the concept of the ‘Responsibility to Protect’ is demonstrated by the actions of the international community in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war. Based on the research, recommendations were formulated for state institutions and the international community on developing strategies for intervention in conflict situations and preventing genocidal practices.