Yeah – I saw a lot of people dismiss this out of turn, like it was ridiculous that Korra would think she should be a neutral actor. Which... what? It makes sense that there would be definite question as to whether and when the Avatar should become involved in political disagreements and conflicts in the world, particularly when they're solely within one nation. Too little involvement and you're ineffective, but too much and you're basically being a world dictator. And in this case it's more complicated by the fact that it directly involves her relatives. At this point I think Unalaq's actions have crossed the line from intra-nation conflict to threat to world balance (especially, for instance, with the involvement of the spirits and whatever the portal thing is), but having Korra appeal to another more earthly authority for help, rather than just going all Avatar State on whomever she disagrees with, makes sense in this case, which is closer to that 'interfering' line than the Fire Nation Trying To Invade Everyone was. And politicking with those authorities is something the Avatar should do.

Of course, Korra's strengths are not... in politicking, but. That's part of the drama!