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Humanitarianism Contested

Where Angels Fear to Tread

Thomas G Weiss author Michael Barnett author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:18th Feb '11

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

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Humanitarianism Contested cover

This book provides a succinct but sophisticated understanding of humanitarianism and insight into the on-going dilemmas and tensions that have accompanied it since its origins in the early nineteenth century. Combining theoretical and historical exposition with a broad range of contemporary case studies, the book:

  • provides a brief survey of the history of humanitarianism, beginning with the anti-slavery movement in the early nineteenth century and continuing to today’s challenge of post-conflict reconstruction and saving failed states
  • explains the evolution of humanitarianism. Not only has it evolved over the decades, but since the end of the Cold War, humanitarianism has exploded in scope, scale, and significance
  • presents an overview of the contemporary humanitarian sector, including briefly who the key actors are, how they are funded and what they do with their money
  • analyses the ethical dilemmas confronted by humanitarian organization, not only in the abstract but also, and most importantly, in real situations and when lives are at stake
  • examines how humanitarianism poses fundamental ethical questions regarding the kind of world we want to live in, what kind of world is possible, and how we might get there.

An accessible and engaging work by two of the leading scholars in the field, Humanitarianism Contested is essential reading for all those concerned with the future of human rights and international relations.

'Short, penetrating and accessibly written. Apart from the open dialogue between the authors, the answers they give to ‘ten guiding questions’ provides important intellectual and normative puzzles that will engage both practitioners and students alike.' - Tim Dunne, International Affairs, Vol. 87, 6, November 2011

ISBN: 9780415496643

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 240g

182 pages