ABSTRACT
The eight sets of major humanitarian actors interact with each other in responding to the seven challenges faced in conflicts. Since each has its own strengths and weaknesses, identifying who does what best in particular circumstances can help improve the humanitarian system of the future. The global humanitarian community of the future needs to harness the energy, qualities, and creativity of all the major actors. Outside resources are made available for humanitarian purposes through five major channels: intergovernmental organizations, the bilateral agencies of donor governments, nongovernmental organizations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and outside military forces. In addition to contributing to the work of intergovernmental organizations, donor governments are direct participants in their own right in international humanitarian activities. Interactions with governments are covered by the well-accepted traditions of government-to-government diplomatic rules; interactions with insurgents have few precedents and involve more terra incognita.
