Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses the interaction between states and humanitarian international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) in times of civil conflict. It examines the evolving relationship between humanitarian INGOs and a series of states, specifically Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Sudan and Russia. The book describes about a clash of the moral with the political – the humanitarian project grounded in the moral principle of humans helping humans and states representing hard political choices. It also describes the example of how Medecins Sans Frontieres tried to re-engage with the Government of Sri Lanka in 2006 against the political backdrop of the time. The book also examines an extreme form of securitisation, termed 'bare life' securitisation, based on the work by Giorgio Agamben. It explores the use of expulsion in the securitisation process.