The Death of Humanitarianism?: An Anatomy of the Attack

• Published in: Disasters Vol. 22; no. 4; pp. 309 - 317
• Main Author: Macrae, Joanna
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK and Boston, USA Blackwell Publishers Ltd 01-12-1998; Blackwell; Pergamon Press
• Subjects: Acculturation, contemporary social changes. (cultural action - rights of indigenous peoples ); aid policy; Altruism; Conflict resolution; Disaster Planning - organization & administration; Ethics; Ethnology; Generalities; Humanitarian intervention; humanitarian principles; humanitarian system; Humans; International Cooperation; Politics; Relief Work - organization & administration; Social Values; Violence; Globalization; International relations; Imperialism; Relations with the State; Citizen Rights; Humanitarian action; Human rights; International organization; International assistance; Pacifism; Settling disputes; Humanitarian aid; Development policy
• ISSN: 0361-3666; 1467-7717
• DOI: 10.1111/1467-7717.00094

Over recent years, the humanitarian community has been under increasing scrutiny and attracted harsh criticism. This mounting critique of humanitarianism has shifted from being concerned primarily with the poor functioning of the humanitarian system to one targeted on basic humanitarian values. This paper is concerned to understand the factors driving the attack on humanitarian values. It identifies four apparently disparate groups who are interested in attacking these values: the anti‐imperialists, the realpolitikers, the developmentalists and the neo‐peaceniks. It concludes that unless humanitarian actors are aware of these diverse threats to their values and operations, they risk being co‐opted or marginalised.