This introductory chapter outlines the definition of human intervention and
retraces the genealogy of the concept “humanitarian” in relation with the International
System. The aim in doing so is to contextualize the notion of humanitarian crises and
humanitarian intervention. I note the conclusion of the bipolar international order
drastically altered conceptualization of humanitarian crises, humanitarian action, and
humanitarian intervention. The implications continue to shape the international system.
Keywords: Humanitarian action, Humanitarian crisis, humanitarian intervention,
Cold War, Post-Cold War, Bipolarity, Unipolarity, Multipolarity, International
system, International Politics, Humanitarian assistance, International conflict,
History of international relations, post-colonial intervention, European Union,
Soviet Union, United States, Politics of intervention, Military intervention.
