The emerging concept of humanitarian diplomacy: identification of a community of practice and prospects for international recognition

In recent years the term ‘humanitarian diplomacy’ has become fashionable among
humanitarian organizations in general, and within the Red Cross and Red Crescent
Movement in particular. However, the very idea of ‘humanitarian diplomacy’ is not
uncontroversial, owing to the imprecise and contested nature of the term, and to its unclear operational application. The present article proposes to explore the definitions
and scope of action of humanitarian diplomacy, as well as some of the challenges
that it faces, with a view to preparing the way for its eventual recognition by the
international community.