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Humanitarian Negociations Revealed : The MSF experienceMagone, Claire ; Neuman, Michael ; Weissman, FabriceNovember 2011 - HURSTFrom international NGOs to UN agencies, from donors to observers of humanitarianism, opinion is unanimous: in a context of the alleged ‘clash of civilisations’, our ‘humanitarian space’ is shrinking. Put another way, the freedom of action and of speech of humanitarians is being eroded due to the radicalisation of conflicts and the reaffirmation of state sovereignty over aid actors and policies. The purpose of this book is to challenge this assumption through an analysis of the events that have marked MSF’s history since 2003 (when MSF published its first general work on humanitarian action and its relationships with governments). It addresses the evolution of humanitarian goals, the resistance to these goals and the political arrangements that overcame this resistance (or that failed to do so). The contributors seek to analyse the political transactions and balances of power and interests that allow aid activities to move forward, but that are usually masked by the lofty rhetoric of ‘humanitarian principles.’ They focus on one key question: what is an acceptable compromise for MSF?This book seeks to puncture a number of the myths that have grown up over the forty years since MSF was founded and describes in detail how the ideals of humanitarian principles and ‘humanitarian space’ operating in conflict zones are in reality illusory. How, in fact, it is the grubby negotiations with varying parties, each of whom have their own vested interests, that may allow organisations such as MSF to operate in a given crisis situation — or not.About the ContributorsMarie-Pierre Alliéa medical doctor, is the president of the French section of Médecins Sans Frontières.Caroline Abu-Sadais the coordinator of the Research Unit of the Swiss section of Médecins Sans Frontières.Laurence Binetis a director of studies at the Centre de réflexion sur l’action et les savoirs humanitaires, Fondation Médecins Sans Frontières.Jean-Hervé Bradola medical doctor, is a director of studies at the Centre de réflexion sur l’action et les savoirs humanitaires, Fondation Médecins Sans Frontières. He is a former president of the French section of Médecins Sans Frontières (2000–2008).Rony Braumana medical doctor, is a director of studies at the Centre de réflexion sur l’action et les savoirs humanitaires, Fondation Médecins Sans Frontières. He is a former president of the French section of Médecins Sans Frontières (1982–1994).Xavier Crombéis a lecturer at Sciences Po in Paris. He is a former head of mission for Médecins Sans Frontières in Afghanistan (2002– 2003) and a former director of studies at the Centre de réflexion sur l’action et les savoirs humanitaires, Fondation Médecins Sans Frontières (2005–2008).Stéphane Doyonis the nutrition team leader at the Campaign for Access to Essential Medicines of Médecins Sans Frontières.Michiel Hofmanis a former head of mission for Médecins Sans Frontières in Afghanistan (2009–2011).Michel-Olivier Lacharitéis a programme manager for Médecins Sans Frontières.Benoît Leducis a former programme manager for Médecins Sans Frontières (2007–2010).Marc Le Papeis a sociologist and a former member of the Board of the French section of Médecins Sans Frontières (1998–2008).Claire Magoneis a director of studies at the Centre de réflexion sur l’action et les savoirs humanitaires, Fondation Médecins Sans Frontières.Michaël Neumanis a director of studies at the Centre de réflexion sur l’action et les savoirs humanitaires, Fondation Médecins Sans Frontières.David Rieffis an independent journalist, author of A Bed for the Night. Humanitarianism in Crisis (New York: Simon &#38; Schuster, 2003).Fiona Terryis an independent researcher and a former director of studies at the Centre de réflexion sur l’action et les savoirs humanitaires, Fondation Médecins Sans Frontières.Claudine Vidalis a sociologist, Groupe de sociologie politique et morale, École des hautes études en sciences sociales.Fabrice Weissmanis a director of studies at the Centre de réflexion sur l’action et les savoirs humanitaires, Fondation Médecins Sans Frontières.Jonathan Whittallis a humanitarian adviser at Médecins Sans Frontières—South Africa.