Robert H. Phinny

Robert H. Phinny argues in the following viewpoint that if American interests are endangered by the actions of another country, then the United States must respond to that threat. However, he contends, few actions require a unilateral defense by the United States. Most interventions should be multinational efforts organized through the United Nations, he maintains. Phinny is the former U.S. ambassador to the Kingdom of Swaziland.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. In the author’s opinion, why is the United States precluded from turning the responsibility for peacekeeping over to the United Nations?
2. What steps should the United States take when its interests are threatened, according to Phinny?
3. What limits should be placed on peacekeeping forces, in Phinny’s view"

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