Overview

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) coordinates the world's largest private relief system for conflict situations. Its staff operates throughout the world, and in recent years the ICRC has mounted large operations in the Balkans and Somalia. Yet despite its very important role its internal workings are mysterious and often secretive. This book examines the ICRC from its origins in the mid-nineteenth century up to the present day, and provides a comprehensive overview of a unique private organisation, whose governing body remains all-Swiss, but which is recognized in international law as if it were an inter-governmental organization. David Forsythe focuses on the policy making and field work of the ICRC, while not ignoring international humanitarian law. He explores how it exercises its independence, impartiality, and neutrality to try to protect prisoners in Iraq, displaced and starving civilians in Somalia, and families separated by conflict in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. David Forsythe received the Distinguished Scholar Award for 2007 from the Human Rights Section of the American Political Science Association.

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9780511755958

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Reviews

'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.' The 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 anyone interested in world politics. … this is the most compelling book to combine history with analysis. It is judicious, timely and well researched.' Political Studies Review

'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.' The 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 anyone interested in world politics. ... this is the most compelling book to combine history with analysis. It is judicious, timely and well researched.' Political Studies Review

Author Information

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.

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