Since the end of the cold war, civil wars and state violence have escalated, resulting in thousands of deaths. This book provides a toolbox for donors, international agencies and developing countries to prevent humanitarian emergencies. The emphasis is on long-term rather than mediation or reconstruction after the conflict ensues.

Introduction: Preventing Humanitarian Emergencies: Asking the Questions - E. Wayne Nafziger * The Political Economy of Preventing Humanitarian Emergencies - E. Wayne Nafziger * Part I: International Economic Responses * Macroeconomic Stabilization and Structural Adjustment - Christopher Cramer& John Weeks * Global Linkages and Vulnerable Economies - Valpy FitzGerald * Part II: Domestic Economic Responses * State Legitimacy, Tax Reform, and the Provision of Basic Services - John Toye * Agrarian Reform, Land Redistribution, and Small-farm Policy - R.A. Berry * Protecting Environmental Resources and Preventing Land Degradation - Gaim Kibreab * Part III: Governmental and Nongovernmental Strategies * Preventing Humanitarian Emergencies: Human Security and Strategic Action - Raimo Väyrynen * Democratization and Institutional Reform - Richard Sandbrook * Donor Governments - Helge Hveem * Transnational Nongovernmental Organizations - William E. DeMars * Multilateral Military Responses - Thomas G. Weiss * Human Rights - Andrew Clapham * The Geopolitics of Mercy: Humanitarianism in the Age of Globalization - Antonio Donini * Conclusion: Lessons for Preventative Action - Raimo Väyrynen