Humanitarianism In Question

AY2014/2015 Semester 2

Course content explores both the policy debates and theoretical conversations surrounding humanitarian intervention, and the role of humanitarianism in configuring new forms of governance. As the role of non-state actors has increased, international humanitarian organizations have become important political players in terms of advocacy and aid. When are interventions a form of cultural imperialism, and when do interventions serve as a crucial resource for populations marginalized within the nation-state? In addition to academic critiques, the course also examines new ?forces of compassion? that arise at either the national or local level as a countervailing effort against global humanitarian regimes.