POLS 115. The Politics and Practice of Wartime Humanitarian Action (IR)

This seminar explores the history and politics of humanitarianism. Topics include: the origins of the modern humanitarian system; international law and humanitarian principles; the local, national and global politics of contemporary humanitarian action; the role of innovation and technology; non-western approaches to humanitarianism; new humanitarian actors (private sector, transnational civil society, non-state actors); the psychosocial dimensions of aid work; and humanitarian ethics. Students will draw upon in-depth case studies of humanitarian emergencies and will participate in a simulation exercise.
Social Sciences.
2 credits.
Spring 2026. Paddon Rhoads.
Catalog chapter: Political Science
Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/political-science

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