Humanitarian Action and Terrorism :

Ingrid A. Macdonald

Description

The proliferation of designated terrorist groups in majority-Muslim countries has greatly affected civilian populations. Humanitarian workers and
assets have been targeted by terrorist groups through the use of violent methods. This study addresses the state of observable perceptions towards humanitarian organisations and workers among local populations. It concludes by proposing the 'humanitarian cube', which is a dynamic new tool for strengthening understanding and actions in response to local perceptions.

Sujets

• Relations internationales
• Diplomatie
• Géopolitique

Informations

• Publié par: L'Harmattan
• Date de parution: 15 novembre 2017
• Nombre de lectures: 3
• EAN13: 9782140051999
• Langue: English
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 1 Mo

Extrait

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A R A B I C S T U D I ES S ER I ES

Ingrid A. MACDONALD

Humanitarian Action and Terrorism: Perceptions from the Muslim World

Humanitarian Action and Terrorism: Perceptions from the Muslim World

ARABIC STUDIES SERIES

Editor: Prof. Mathieu GUIDERE

The Arabic Studies Series is a research publication series promoting scholarly research on the Islamic civilization and the Arab World. The Series Editor is Professor Mathieu Guidère, Director of the Arabic Studies Department at the University of Paris 8, France.

This broad ranging series includes books on the Arab world and the Islamic issues from all parts of the globe and is not simply confined to the Middle East. It offers a welcome opportunity for scholars to bring their research activity to the attention of the national and international academic community. Books are based on original research and represent a number of disciplines including history, anthropology, Islamic studies, cultural studies, and political science.

All original research on the Arab world and issues pertaining to Muslim countries will be considered. Submissions on contemporary issues are strongly encouraged.

All submissions need to be based on primary research. Earlier published material will not be considered. The Series Editor’s decision to publish will be based on the referee reports of two anonymous referees. Recent publications: Guidère M. (2017),Applied Islamology : Principles and Methods(French). th Debbech O. (2016),Tunisian Travelers in France in the 19 Century(French).

Ingrid A. MACDONALD

Humanitarian Action and Terrorism: Perceptions from the Muslim World

© L’Harmattan, 2017 5-7, rue de l’Ecole-Polytechnique, 75005 Paris http://www.editions-harmattan.fr ISBN : 978-2-343-13570-0 EAN : 9782343135700

For Victoria

This book is a shortened version of my PhD. thesis which was submitted to the University of Toulouse, France, in 2016. Ingrid A. Macdonald

INTRODUCTION Fifteen years after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States (US), the so-called ‘global war on terror’ (GWOT) remains one of the most defining aspects of international relations across the world. Yet, there is a surprising lack of in-depth social science research covering the relationships and implications of the GWOT on humanitarian action organisations and workers, especially in majority- Muslim countries. By the very nature of their work, humanitarians often operate in highly volatile and unpredictable contexts where they inevitably come into contact or are in vicinity of armed groups. As a result, humanitarian organisations have a long history and established methods for engaging with armed groups to increase acceptance for their activities, whilst not confereing political or other forms of legitimacy on these groups. This engagement is considered indispensable for ensuring the safe, quality and timely provision of humanitarian goods and services to populations negatively affected by conflict and crisis. After the September 11 terrorist attacks, unprecendented unity been shown across States at the international, national and regional level to combat terrorism and terrorist groups. As a result, the GWOT not only emcompasses armed conflicts and law enforcement operations, it includes a complex system of international and national measures, which impact almost every aspect of society, including humanitarian action (Macrae & Harmer, 2003: 1). In reality, over the last fifteen years is that the vast majority of the groups and individuals targeted by these measures claim affiliation to Islam. At the same time, and often related, significant levels of armed conflict and humanitarian need is today evident in majority- Muslim countries. The wide-ranging security, policy and legal measures employed by States primarily against ‘Islamic’ terrorist groups thus places humanitarians in a dilemma given their operational imperative to respond to the needs of those

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