Le mot de l’éditeur
Contre-histoire de l’humanitaire [An Alternative history of humanitarian aid] is a critical analysis of the humanitarian sector, which is increasingly ruled by funding, the priorities of the major powers and the obligation to demonstrate performance. Taking a different approach to current discussions, the book traces the political background of humanitarianism, from its colonial roots to neo-liberal globalisation. Far from being just a simple act of providing of aid, humanitarian aid is becoming a crisis management tool, a power language, and a tool sometimes used to support military intervention. By showing how it shapes – and justifies – the international order, this book reveals its contradictions and effects on the societies it claims to help.
A graduate of the École supérieure des géomètres et topographes, Bertrand Bréqueville is currently responsible for Human Resources at Médecins du Monde, where he was the operational manager of several programmes in various African countries from 2009 to 2020.
Translated from the French by Louise Bongiovanni
