Disobedient Humanitarianism: Moral Experiences of Aid in the Arabian Desert (1962–1970)
In: Emotions: History, Culture, SocietySearch for other papers by Valérie Gorin in
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Abstract
Drawing from ethnographic scholarship on experienced moralities in aid work, this article interrogates the engagement of humanitarian delegates in the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) mission during the civil war in Yemen (1962–1970). Working in difficult and remote conditions, the ICRC delegates developed paradoxical relationships with the environment, the climate, and the populations, which both fascinated and intimidated them. Their sensorial and affective responses shaped their collective experiences in the desertic and mountainous landscapes and enhanced their convictions to act in front of extreme suffering in the midst of conflict. This influenced the decision-making process of one man in particular, André Rochat, the head of mission, who developed a pragmatic spirit of initiative that went sometimes beyond his professional duties. By exposing the moral dilemmas these delegates went through, the article discusses how this led to a disobedient form of action against normative institutional frameworks.
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| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
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Disobedient Humanitarianism: Moral Experiences of Aid in the Arabian Desert (1962–1970)
In: Emotions: History, Culture, SocietySearch for other papers by Valérie Gorin in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Abstract
Drawing from ethnographic scholarship on experienced moralities in aid work, this article interrogates the engagement of humanitarian delegates in the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) mission during the civil war in Yemen (1962–1970). Working in difficult and remote conditions, the ICRC delegates developed paradoxical relationships with the environment, the climate, and the populations, which both fascinated and intimidated them. Their sensorial and affective responses shaped their collective experiences in the desertic and mountainous landscapes and enhanced their convictions to act in front of extreme suffering in the midst of conflict. This influenced the decision-making process of one man in particular, André Rochat, the head of mission, who developed a pragmatic spirit of initiative that went sometimes beyond his professional duties. By exposing the moral dilemmas these delegates went through, the article discusses how this led to a disobedient form of action against normative institutional frameworks.
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 540 | 540 | 158 |
| Full Text Views | 6 | 6 | 4 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 10 | 10 | 2 |
