Humanitarianism and the International Committee of the Red Cross, 1859 to 1989

This book explores how humanitarianism--often perceived as a selfless moral act--is in fact deeply entangled with political interests and structures of power. Centering on the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), it asks: where did modern humanitarianism come from? Why was it embraced? How has it been practiced--and with what limits? And ultimately, with what discursive power? Spanning from the mid-nineteenth to the mid-twentieth century, the book is structured around these guiding questions. It examines the emergence of humanitarian ideals in Western contexts, the motivations--emotional, strategic, and political--behind humanitarian aid, and the practical and ethical constraints that shape its delivery. A central theme is humanitarianism as a 'magnetic concept' morally powerful yet ideologically flexible, allowing different actors to project their values and interests under a banner of compassion. Accessible and conceptually rich, this book is essential for those interested in humanitarian history, international relations, and the political uses of morality.