War and the Red Cross

"War and the Red Cross" by Nicholas O. Berry offers an in-depth analysis of the role of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in modern conflicts, particularly in internal and civil wars that have increased since the Cold War. The book highlights the alarming fact that over ninety percent of the casualties in these wars are civilians, especially women, children, and the elderly. This realization has prompted the ICRC to pursue a new mission: to promote the dysfunctionality of these wars and to bring them to an end. Berry reveals how this strategy, which often remains hidden, has been implemented in various conflict regions such as the former Yugoslavia, Rwanda, Sudan, Afghanistan, and Guatemala. It becomes clear that a significant non-governmental organization, which presents itself as apolitical, is in reality pursuing a far-reaching political agenda. The book critically engages with the complex challenges faced by humanitarian organizations in times of crisis.