Taster Lecture: Who Holds the Power? International Relations in Humanitarianism | Dr Philip Cunliffe
Taster Lecture: Who Holds the Power? International Relations in Humanitarianism | Dr Philip Cunliffe
Who really holds the power in international humanitarianism? In this thought-provoking taster lecture, Dr Philip Cunliffe explores the political and historical context of humanitarian aid, examining how decisions are shaped by national interests and state power.
Using the recent quest to disband USAID by the new administration as a case study, Dr Cunliffe challenges common assumptions about the role of aid in global governance and international relations. He discusses the origins of USAID during the Cold War, the political motivations behind aid distribution, and the rise of new geopolitical dynamics shaping humanitarianism today. The lecture also examines key failures in Western humanitarianism — from Afghanistan to Haiti — and explores how state sovereignty, political legitimacy, and global power structures intersect with humanitarian practice.
Yossie Olaleye | |
10 | |
4/15/2025 | |
00:33:41 | |
risk, risk and disaster reduction, humanitarianism, humanitarianstudies | |
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