Introduction to Global History of Humanitarianism (IRDR0018)

In this video, Dr Dan Haines discusses the undergraduate module Global History of Humanitarianism (IRDR0018), part of the Global Humanitarianism Studies BSc. This module aims to put the humanitarian system into historical context. It introduces students to international humanitarian history from its 19th century origins, through the eras of imperialism, decolonization, the Cold War and beyond. It asks how key humanitarian agencies and practices emerged alongside the developing international system, while exploring some of the dilemmas which humanitarians have faced. Possible topics covered could include the Geneva Conventions; the humanitarian aftermaths of major wars; the origins of the United Nations and its humanitarian agencies; and liberal interventionism since the 1990s. Types of crisis covered could include slavery, famine, war, and natural hazard-driven disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis. The module tells the story from the point of view of the recipients as well as pr