The Tenets and Dilemmas of Humanitarian

This course will provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the international humanitarian response system. Upon completing this course, students will have an understanding of:

• The main parties with a stake in international humanitarian action, and how their interests can align or diverge.
• The normative frameworks and operational standards that apply to humanitarian action.
• The ethical dilemmas surrounding humanitarian action, and the questions needed to address them.
• The place of humanitarian action within larger global priorities.

Never have more people been in need of humanitarian assistance globally. The impact of conflict, natural disasters, climate change, and governance crises has led to the largest ever global Humanitarian Needs Overview and appeal in 2023, with a record-high funding requirement of US$56.7 billion. But is the system functioning the way it should, and has humanitarian action been shielded from politization and power dynamics?

This course will allow students to examine the history, norms, principles, actors, and governance of the international humanitarian response system, to critically assess whether the norms and actors established yesterday are still the ones needed today. Through a combination of thematic sessions and case studies, it will provide insights into how humanitarian responses are governed, implemented, and coordinated, and help students understand the dilemmas faced by humanitarian actors on a daily basis. Students will be asked to reflect on the key issues and challenges facing the humanitarian system.