Humanitarianism in the Modern World: The Moral Economy of Famine Relief

This book offers a fresh perspective on famine relief and humanitarianism by examining the forces and ideas that drove these efforts during the Great Irish Famine, the Soviet Russia and Ukraine famine, and the Ethiopian famine in the 1980s. It emphasizes the connections between humanitarianism and politico-economic regimes, including the time of ad hoc humanitarianism in the nineteenth century, organized humanitarianism during the twentieth century, and expressive humanitarianism since the 1970s.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 369 pages
Publication date: 03 November 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This groundbreaking new history of famine relief and humanitarianism delves into the complex forces and ideas that drove and shaped humanitarian aid during three significant historical crises: the Great Irish Famine of 1921-1922 in Soviet Russia and the Ukraine, the 1980s Ethiopian famine, and the famine of 1921-1922 in Soviet Russia and the Ukraine. By employing a moral economy approach, the authors shed fresh light on the motivations and shaping mechanisms of humanitarian action in these pivotal periods.

The book is organized into three distinct periods, each characterized by a particular politico-economic regime and its impact on humanitarianism. The first period, spanning the nineteenth century, is marked by ad hoc humanitarianism, where individuals and private organizations responded to crises on a case-by-case basis without the formal structures and systems of organized humanitarianism.

The second period, from approximately 1900 to 1970, witnessed the rise of Taylorism and mass society, which led to the development of organized humanitarianism. This era saw the establishment of international organizations such as the Red Cross and the United Nations, as well as the implementation of standardized relief efforts and aid distribution systems.

The third period, since 1970, has been characterized by a blend of individualised post-material lifestyles and neoliberal public management. This period has seen the emergence of expressive humanitarianism, where humanitarian aid is increasingly shaped by cultural values, social media, and public advocacy.

One of the key insights of the book is its shift in focus from the imperatives of crisis management to the pragmatic mechanisms of fundraising, relief efforts on the ground, and finance. The authors argue that humanitarianism has evolved from a response to immediate crises to a complex system that requires strategic planning, resource mobilization, and effective coordination between different actors.

The book also explores the ethical and political dimensions of humanitarianism, examining the ways in which humanitarian aid can both exacerbate and alleviate social and economic inequalities. It raises important questions about the responsibilities of governments, international organizations, and private individuals in responding to crises and promoting human rights.

In addition to its academic value, this book is also highly accessible to a broader audience, thanks to its clear and engaging writing style. It includes numerous illustrations, photographs, and maps that help bring the historical events to life and make the book relevant to students, scholars, and anyone interested in the history of humanitarianism and social justice.

Overall, this innovative new history of famine relief and humanitarianism offers a fresh perspective on the complex and evolving field of humanitarian action. It provides valuable insights into the forces that drive humanitarianism, the challenges faced by relief organizations, and the impact of humanitarian aid on society. By challenging traditional narratives and highlighting the connections between politics, economics, and humanitarianism, this book contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the past and present of humanitarianism.

Weight: 558g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108737371