Humanitarian Myths and Hubris

This book explores the shifting role and relevance of humanitarian action today, through the prism of Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF).

Initially created to provide healthcare to the most vulnerable populations in crisis-stricken countries, MSF has grown from just a few dozen members in 1971 to a movement with over 60,000 people and an annual budget of over 2 billion euros. But in today’s rapidly changing global landscape, many of the founding principles and idealised myths surrounding organisations such as MSF are questioned, challenged, or undermined. This book considers the profound changes impacting the sector, from questionable adherence to international humanitarian law, to increased rates of forced displacement, hostile state policies, climate-induced factors, and pressures for organisations to decentralise. The book considers whether MSF’s organisational model and ways of working are still fit for purpose, and what evolutions are necessary to meet the medical humanitarian needs of today.

This important and candid self-critical analysis will be an important read for humanitarian practitioners, and for students and researchers working on the humanitarian sector.