The Humanitarian-Military Complex in Afghanistan
This book delves deeply into the vexing relationship between aid workers and the military, as it has played out historically and in the case of Afghanistan. Written with Tim Jacoby, a professor at the University of Manchester, it is published as part of the series: Humanitarianism: Key Debates and New Approaches
Check out a blog post here for background and how it was written.
Synopsis: Violent conflict brings together two seemingly disparate groups: humanitarians and soldiers. This mixes and convolutes agendas, blurring lines that are often perceived to be sacrosanct. Delving deeply into the history and reasons of why these two groups work in close proximity, this study provide a unique insight into the history, ethical dilemmas and policy conundrums when aid workers operate close to the military. Using Afghanistan as a case study, analytical rigor, deep primary research and "field" knowledge are combined in an exceptional contribution to this important area. This book gives scholars and practitioners alike a nuanced perspective on the challenges faced by aid workers, military personnel and decision-makers alike in countries affected by violent conflicts, hosting foreign military interventions and receiving international aid.
Table of Contents:
Part I
1. Introduction
2. The military-humanitarian complex: a historiography
3. Humanitarianism in post-conflict settings
Part II
4. Humanitarian and military involvement in Afghanistan prior to the 2001 invasion
5. Afghanistan: overview of conflict and assistance from 2001-2014
6. Afghanistan's military-humanitarian complex
7. Conclusion
Index