Hotel Rwanda Response Paper

HOTEL RWANDA RESPONSE PAPER

Watch this video and do the paper below, kindly follow all instructions, I need 3 pages. Due 10 am PST on Saturday. HOTEL RWANDA RESPONSE PAPER through the turnitin.com paper link on course Blackboard Assignments page (where you will also find the film) The purpose of this film and assignment is to bring together many of the ideas, terms, actors, and interests you have learned about in this course and to demonstrate vividly how they play out in real life and can affect hundreds of thousands of people’s lives. The assignment addresses almost all learning objectives in the course as well as the university GE writing requirement. After viewing the film (for your last two online classes), write a 2-3 page double-spaced response paper (approximately 600 words + references). Your paper should be a clearly written response to the film that integrates the film with what you have learned in this course. Explain both your reaction to the film and what the film tells us about international relations and different actors in international politics. (Discuss at least two or three different points about IR you learned that are exemplified in the film). You may wish to use assigned readings or other acceptable academic or news sources to integrate relevant facts or otherwise support your analysis. This will likely strengthen your paper (and therefore your grade). You may also wish to integrate IR theory into your argument. You may highlight some parts of the film you found interesting or important but do not write a long summary of the film or explanation of the plot. (I’ve seen it!) All of the “facts” stated in your paper should be correct. Your paper should be proofread and written clearly with correct grammar, spelling, and citations. See the “Writing Refresher” PowerPoint under Blackboard Assignments for guidance. Remember to cite and quote all sources appropriately to avoid failing for plagiarism. Include your last name and first initial in the name of your file (e.g. Ram_M_Rwanda). Do not include any special characters (e.g. #, %, &, or spaces) as Blackboard does not fully support them. All files must have a correct extension (e.g., .docx, .pdf) in order for them to open. After you submit your paper, Blackboard will automatically indicate if it was submitted successfully – you may wish to save a copy of this screen. No hard copy of your paper is required. No late papers will be accepted. The film is also available in the library (disc PN1997.2 .H c.2) if you prefer to watch it there or organize a small group showing in one of the viewing rooms in the Music/Media area on the 3rd floor.

Paper For Above instruction

HOTEL RWANDA RESPONSE PAPER

The film "Hotel Rwanda" provides a compelling and harrowing portrayal of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, emphasizing the profound effects of ethnic conflict, international indifference, and humanitarian intervention. As a student of international relations, watching this film reinforced several key concepts learned throughout the course, including sovereignty, humanitarian intervention, and the responsibilities of nation-states and international actors during crises. My reaction to the film was a mixture of outrage and admiration—outrage at the genocidal violence and international inaction, and admiration for the bravery of individuals like Paul Rusesabagina, who risked their lives to save others. This emotional response underscores the importance of recognizing both the failures and the potentials within the international system to prevent atrocities.

From an international relations perspective, "Hotel Rwanda" exemplifies the complex interplay between state sovereignty and human security. The principle of sovereignty often impedes timely international intervention, as nations prioritize non-interference in the internal affairs of states. During the genocide, the international community, especially Western powers, largely failed to act decisively, highlighting a recurring challenge in IR—the dilemma of respecting sovereignty while protecting human rights. The United Nations' hesitancy and ineffective peacekeeping response exemplify the limitations of multilateral institutions when faced with genocidal violence (Power 2002). This failure underscores the need for a reevaluation of intervention norms, especially regarding the Responsibility to Protect (R2P), which advocates for intervention when sovereign states are unable or unwilling to protect their populations (Bellamy 2015). The film vividly illustrates how the adherence to strict sovereignty can delay or prevent interventions, resulting in catastrophic human losses.

Furthermore, "Hotel Rwanda" sheds light on the role of non-state actors and individual agency within international politics. Paul Rusesabagina’s actions demonstrate how individuals and private actors can influence international perceptions and responses. By sheltering Tutsi refugees and leveraging his position within the Hotel Mille Collines, he became a symbol of moral resistance and a catalyst for moral action, even in the face of international indifference. This aligns with IR theories emphasizing the importance of agency and ethical considerations in global politics. Constructivist IR theory, for instance, emphasizes how identities, norms, and moral commitments shape state and individual behavior—highlighted in Rusesabagina’s moral stance against ethnic violence and the bystander effect observed in the international community (Wendt 1994). The film underscores the importance of individual and collective moral responsibility in shaping international responses to crises.

Another IR concept illustrated in the film is the failure of international institutions, such as the United Nations, to prevent or stop genocide effectively. The peacekeeping mission in Rwanda was hamstrung by restrictive rules of engagement and lack of resources, exemplifying institutional failures to fulfill their mandates during crises (Thakur 2006). This failure raises questions about the limitations of international institutions and the need for reform to enable more effective responses to atrocity crimes. The film also emphasizes the importance of human security over traditional notions of national security. The focus on protecting individual lives rather than solely state interests aligns with the human security framework, which prioritizes the safety and dignity of individuals (UNDP 1994).

In conclusion, "Hotel Rwanda" vividly demonstrates the complexities and challenges of international relations in the context of genocide and humanitarian crises. It highlights the tension between sovereignty and intervention, the active role of individuals and non-state actors, and the limitations of international institutions. Watching this film reinforced the importance of ethical responsibility and the need for reform in international mechanisms to better prevent and respond to mass atrocities. As students of IR, it is imperative to critically examine these issues, understanding how theoretical principles play out in real-world scenarios and recognizing the human cost of international indifference or failed interventions.

References

• Bellamy, A. J. (2015). The Responsibility to Protect: Pursuing Human Security. Polity Press.
• Power, C. (2002). A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide. Basic Books.
• Thakur, R. (2006). The United Nations, Peace and Security: From Collective Security to the Responsibility to Protect. Cambridge University Press.
• Wendt, A. (1994). Collectively Rational: Material and Ideational Factors in National Security. International Organization, 48(2), 391-425.
• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (1994). Human Development Report 1994: New Dimensions of Human Security. New York: UNDP.