Humanitarianism and the global Cold War, 1945-1991
Journal: Edward Elgar Publishing eBooks
Year: 2024

This chapter tracks the evolution and expansion of the international humanitarian sector during the Cold War period. It examines how the conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union spilled out beyond the confines of the diplomatic sphere and influenced violence and displacement across the Global South. During this period, I argue that there were three key phases of international humanitarian practice: (1) relief and the post-war reconstruction of Europe; (2) decolonisation and the em