Abstract
This introductory chapter outlines the definition of human intervention and retraces the genealogy of the concept “humanitarian” in relation with the International System. The aim in doing so is to contextualize the notion of humanitarian crises and humanitarian intervention. I note the conclusion of the bipolar international order drastically altered conceptualization of humanitarian crises, humanitarian action, and humanitarian intervention. The implications continue to shape the international system.
Keywords:
Humanitarian action, Humanitarian crisis, humanitarian intervention, Cold War, Post-Cold War, Bipolarity, Unipolarity, Multipolarity, International system, International Politics, Humanitarian assistance, International conflict, History of international relations, post-colonial intervention, European Union, Soviet Union, United States, Politics of intervention, Military intervention.