ABSTRACT
Neoliberalism is imprinting philanthropy, which, in turn, is shaping contemporary humanitarianism. Humanitarianism—the act of helping distant strangers in need from life-threatening conditions—is a manifestation of sentiments and perceived duties to assist victims and vulnerable populations. This chapter discusses the concepts of philanthropy, charity, and humanitarianism in humanitarian and historical context. It examines how neoliberalism and philanthrocapitalism contributed to a closer relationship between the corporate and humanitarian worlds. The distinction between charity and philanthropy has more meaning in the context of the European languages than it does in other religious and cultural contexts. Neoliberalism shaped a new phase of philanthropy: philanthrocapitalism. This mouthful of a term was introduced in 2006 in an article in the Economist. Philanthrocapitalism continues various features of philanthropy, and in many ways represents modern, Western-style philanthropy on steroids. Humanitarian actors have been quite wary of the corporate world and for-profit actors.
