Humanitarianism in Question: Politics, Power, Ethics Edited by Michael Barnett and Thomas G. Weiss
Humanitarianism in Question: Politics, Power, Ethics Edited by Michael Barnett and Thomas G. Weiss
Published by: Cornell University Press, 2008 ISBN: 978-0801473012
Abstract Years of tremendous growth in response to complex emergencies have left a mark on the humanitarian sector. Various matters that once seemed settled are now subjects of intense debate. What is humanitarianism? Is it limited to the provision of relief to victims of conflict, or does it include broader objectives such as human rights, democracy promotion, development, and peacebuilding? For much of the last century, the principles of humanitarianism were guided by neutrality, impartiality, and independence. More recently, some humanitarian organizations have begun to relax these tenets. The recognition that humanitarian action can lead to negative consequences has forced humanitarian organizations to measure their effectiveness, to reflect on their ethical positions, and to consider not only the values that motivate their actions but also the consequences of those actions.
