This book offers new and exciting scholarship on the history of the Red Cross Movement by leading historians in the field. It re-imagines and re-evaluates the Red Cross as an institutional network and a key actor in the humanitarian space through two centuries of war and peace.

Being in force today

The aims of the Red Cross Movement range from helping the victims of armed conflicts and natural disasters to running first aid courses in the local community. This book looks at the history and structure of the movement and examines its values and activities. It assesses the impact of the movement's international work in a number of areas and describes the challenges it will face in the future.

An analysis of the role of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in international norm creation and the progressive development of international humanitarian law.

Provides a history of the Red Cross and discusses the philosophy and work of the societies that are part of this international organization.