Humanitarian Negotiations Revealed: The MSF Experience (Columbia/Hurst)
These stories and reflections illustrate the tragic humanitarian paradox: to act morally, one can't always be principled. Neutrality and impartial¬ity disappear into the pantheon of defunct ideals, as Médecins Sans Frontières defends a ro¬bust opportunism in the best sense of the word: reality-based situation¬al ethics.(Dirk Salomons, director, Program for Humanitarian Affairs at the School of International Public Affairs, Columbia University)This collection represents a maturing of Médecins Sans Frontières's view of the world. Theirs is now a nuanced pragmatic approach which keeps its eye firmly on the goal of alleviating suffering but understands the need to compromise and invent, choosing the best possible path to reach the goal.(Peter Walker, director, Feinstein International Center, Tufts University)A highly readable and challenging appraisal of what it means to be a humanitarian actor in today's rebalancing world. With refreshing hon¬esty, it explores the thin line that humanitarian agencies tread between saving lives and supporting oppressors. This brave and informative book reconfirms Médecins Sans Frontières as an organization that thinks as well as acts.(Mark Duffield, director, Global Insecurities Centre, University of Bristol)The book brings out the perennial dangers of silence and stresses the continuing need to highlight the hidden victims of 'just wars.' It also exemplifies Médecins Sans Frontières's tradition of self-criticism and internal disagreement, traditions now more valuable than ever.(David Keen, London School of Economics and Political Science)the most detailed and self-critical inside account of the deals aid agencies are forced to negotiate, often with groups and regimes which abuse human rights, to continue their work.(Peter BeaumontGuardian)