The Humanitarians

Preface; Introduction; Part I. Historical Analysis: 1. The ICRC during its early years; 2. The ICRC during the Cold War; 3. The ICRC after the Cold War; 4. The ICRC and the US 'war' on terrorism; Part II. Policy Analysis: 5. ICRC principles and policies; 6. ICRC structure and management; 7. The ICRC and international humanitarian law; Part III. Conclusion: 8. The ICRC and Red Cross humanitarianism; Annex A. The ICRC and the Red Cross Movement; Annex B. The ICRC and Selected Private Relief Agencies; Annex C. The ICRC: One of the Big Four Relief Agencies; Annex D. The ICRC and Selected Advocacy Groups; Annex E. The ICRC Organizational Chart; Bibliography.

David P. Forsythe is Charles J. Mach Distinguished Professor, and University Professor at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. He has published extensively on different aspects of International Relations including Human Rights in International Relations (Cambridge, 2000), which has been translated into Arabic, Chinese, Turkish, Korean, and Bulgarian, and most recently, Human Rights and Diversity: Area Studies Revisited (edited with Patrice McMahon, 2004). He is also the general editor of the new edition of The Encyclopedia of Human Rights.

'David Forsythe's study unlocks many of the mysteries about the International Committee of the Red Cross. Based on previously unexploited sources, he provides a critical yet respectful analysis of this most important humanitarian organisation.' William A. Schabas, Director, Irish Centre for Human Rights, National University of Ireland, Galway 'Were this a commissioned study of its history, policy analysis and future goals, the International Committee of the Red Cross could not have expected a more solid, fair-minded or insightful result than has been delivered here independently by American academic and long-time ICRC watcher David Forsythe.' The Australian 'David P. Forsythe ... happens to know more about the ICRC than anyone outside, and almost everybody inside, that organization. ... The Humanitarians is to promote a fuller understanding of the ICRC's role in international relations, and to clear up misunderstandings.' Times Literary Supplement '... a pleasure ... to read. The main reasons for this are the publication's rich informational value, its logical way of arguing and the honesty with which the author seeks to distinguish between facts and presumptions. ... highly credible and convincing.' Journal of International Relations and Development '... a welcome addition to the literature on this important subject ... well worth the read.' International Affairs '... a solid overview and detailed account of the International Committee of the Red Cross ... the book should appeal to both generalists and specialists. Students, diplomats and concerned citizens will benefit from a greater understanding of the ICRC and the Red Cross movement's history and role in the international system. Humanitarians, developmentalists/diplomats and security professionals, on the other hand, can gain from its detailed insight to the ICRC's inner workings, role in contemporary conflicts and internal dilemmas.' German Red Cross 'This important new book ... is essential reading for