Book contents
- The Contemporary International Committee of the Red Cross
- The Contemporary International Committee of the Red Cross
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Photographs
- Preface: Who and Why
- 1 The Contemporary ICRC and Its Critics
- 2 The ICRC and the Global Humanitarian System
- 3 History
- 4 History
- 5 The Red Cross Movement
- 6 The Red Cross Movement
- 7 ICRC Relations with Bern
- 8 ICRC Relations with Bern
- 9 Humanitarians and Business
- 10 Humanitarians and Business
- 11 Interpreting the Mandate
- 12 Interpreting the Mandate
- 13 Has the Traditional Focus Been Lost?
- 14 Has the Traditional Focus Been Lost?
- 15 ICRC Governance and Management
- 16 ICRC Governance and Management
- 17 Conclusion
- 18 Conclusion
- Epilogue
- Annex
- Index
3 - History
Part I – The Gentlemen of Geneva and Dunant’s Dream
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2024
- The Contemporary International Committee of the Red Cross
- The Contemporary International Committee of the Red Cross
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Photographs
- Preface: Who and Why
- 1 The Contemporary ICRC and Its Critics
- 2 The ICRC and the Global Humanitarian System
- 3 History
- 4 History
- 5 The Red Cross Movement
- 6 The Red Cross Movement
- 7 ICRC Relations with Bern
- 8 ICRC Relations with Bern
- 9 Humanitarians and Business
- 10 Humanitarians and Business
- 11 Interpreting the Mandate
- 12 Interpreting the Mandate
- 13 Has the Traditional Focus Been Lost?
- 14 Has the Traditional Focus Been Lost?
- 15 ICRC Governance and Management
- 16 ICRC Governance and Management
- 17 Conclusion
- 18 Conclusion
- Epilogue
- Annex
- Index
Summary
This historical chapter explains the origins of the ICRC in Geneva immediately before and after 1863 and the organization’s very early activities. It goes into some detail about the two key founding fathers, Henry Dunant and Gustave Moynier. The focus on two key persons gives flesh and blood to early developments for both the ICRC and the global Red Cross network that the ICRC initiated and helped structure. Religious origins are contrasted with secular evolution. Amateurism is contrasted with a quest for professionalization. Flexible decision-making is noted. Also mentioned are Genevan Exceptionalism and Swiss nationalism. This chapter allows a vivid contrast between the early ICRC and the organization it has become in contemporary times.
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- Information
- The Contemporary International Committee of the Red CrossChallenges, Changes, Controversies, pp. 42 - 64Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2024