History and Hope The International Humanitarian Reader

The International Humanitarian Affairs Reader is a compilation of the most important chapters in the ten volume series published on this topic by Fordham University Press. Each chapter selected has been edited to delete dated material; where appropriate, chapters will have a brief addendum to present current information. The Series Editor, Kevin M. Cahill M.D., will write a substantial introductory essay explaining the academic evolution of the discipline of international humanitarian assistance. It will focus on the "Fordham Experience"--its Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs (IIHA) has developed practical programs for training field workers, especially those dealing with complex emergencies following conflicts, man-made or natural disasters. The book series has been as essential part of this effort. The new International Humanitarian Affairs Reader will be divided into seven sections, each introduced by a "link" page providing continuity for the text. There will be extensive appendices to assist in finding basic acronyms, abbreviations, important conventions, treaties and accepted standards. One appendix will also provide the full table of contents for each volume in the series, and all chapters are available for digital download. The International Humanitarian Affairs Reader, scheduled for publication in Spring 2013, should provide the growing number of people--both within and outside academia--with a better understanding of the multi-faceted demands posed by humanitarian assistance programs. At Fordham University there are programs at both the undergraduate (Minor) and graduate (Masters) levels. Fordham's innovative, very intense, one-month residential course for experienced humanitarian workers--the International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance (IDHA)--is recognized worldwide. The Institute now has over 2000 graduates from 133 nations. Contributors to The International Humanitarian Affairs Reader include many of the leading figures in international diplomacy, relief and refugee operations, conflict resolution and reconciliation, and transition from disaster to stability and development, from the chaos of war to peace.

Kevin M. Cahill, M.D., is University Professor and Director of Fordham University's Institute
for International Humanitarian Affairs and Clinical Professor of Tropical Medicine and Molecular Parasitology at New York University.