Night on Earth: A History of International Humanitarianism in the Near East, 1918-1930

Night on Earth is a book that explores international humanitarian programs in Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and the Near East from 1918 to 1930, showing how they were intertwined with colonial motivations and ideologies. It draws on the activities of a wide range of secular and religious organizations and philanthropic foundations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 484 pages
Publication date: 09 December 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Night on Earth is a comprehensive exploration of international humanitarian programs in Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and the Near East from 1918 to 1930. Author Davide Rodogno demonstrates that international relief and development had a profound interconnectedness long before the establishment of the United Nations. Humanitarians operated in regions ravaged by war and famine, where state sovereignty was lacking. Driven by colonial motivations and ideologies, these humanitarians aimed to reshape entire communities and nations through reconstruction and rehabilitation programs. The book draws upon the activities of a diverse array of secular and religious organizations and philanthropic foundations in the United States and Europe, including the American Relief Administration, the American Red Cross, the Quakers, Save the Children, the Near East Relief, the American Women's Hospitals, the League of Nations, and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The United States played a significant role in these humanitarian efforts, providing substantial financial and material support. The American Relief Administration, established by President Woodrow Wilson in 1915, was a key organization in providing aid to war-torn countries. The American Red Cross, with its vast network of volunteers and resources, also played a crucial role in providing relief and assistance to those in need. Other notable organizations involved included the Quakers, who provided medical aid and support to refugees, and Save the Children, which focused on child welfare and education.

The Near East Relief, established by American businessman and humanitarian John D. Rockefeller Jr., was another significant organization. It provided aid to victims of the Armenian genocide and other conflicts in the region. The American Women's Hospitals, established during World War I, provided medical care to wounded soldiers and civilians. The League of Nations, although not directly involved in humanitarian work, played a crucial role in promoting peace and cooperation among nations.

The International Committee of the Red Cross, an independent humanitarian organization, also made significant contributions to these programs. It provided medical aid, relief supplies, and assistance to refugees and victims of natural disasters.

These humanitarian programs aimed to address the immediate needs of those affected by war and famine, but they also had long-term consequences. They helped to rebuild communities and nations, promoting social and economic development. They also played a role in shaping international relations, as nations worked together to address shared humanitarian challenges.

However, these programs were not without their challenges. They were often hampered by political instability, economic constraints, and cultural differences. Humanitarians faced risks and obstacles, including resistance from local authorities and armed groups. They also had to navigate complex bureaucratic processes and deal with the logistical challenges of operating in remote and often war-torn regions.

Despite these challenges, the humanitarian programs of the interwar period were a testament to the human spirit and the power of collective action. They demonstrated the importance of compassion, empathy, and cooperation in addressing global humanitarian crises. They also laid the foundation for future humanitarian efforts, as the United Nations and other international organizations emerged to take on a more prominent role in humanitarian work.

In conclusion, Night on Earth provides a valuable insight into the history of international humanitarian programs in Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and the Near East. It highlights the interconnectedness of relief and development, the role of the United States and other nations in providing aid, and the challenges and successes of these programs. It serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, empathy, and cooperation in addressing global humanitarian crises and the ongoing need for collective action to promote peace and prosperity.

Weight: 810g
Dimension: 235 x 155 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108498913