Humanitarian Myths and Hubris: A Critical Self-Portrait from Médecins Sans Frontières

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Duncan McLean Françoise Duroch

Humanitarian Myths and Hubris

Name: Humanitarian Myths and Hubris
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ISBN: 9781032893242

A Critical Self-Portrait from Médecins Sans Frontières

Duncan McLean, Françoise Duroch, Amy Mavor

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English

Routledge
22 January 2026

Development studies; Aid & relief programmes; International institutions; Accident & emergency medicine; Natural disasters

Series: Routledge Humanitarian Studies

This collective work offers a critical analysis of contemporary humanitarian action, through the prism of Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF).

Initially created to provide healthcare to the most vulnerable populations in crisis-stricken countries, MSF has grown from just a few dozen members in 1971 to a movement of over 67,000 people with an annual budget of over 2 billion euros. But in today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, many of the founding principles and myths surrounding its creation are questioned or undermined. The post-COVID era has been marked by a reinforcement or acceleration of pre-existing trends that continue to challenge the work of humanitarian organisations: restrictive, or indeed hostile, state policies; the presence of non-state actors in counter-terrorism contexts; questionable adherence to international humanitarian law. MSF must also address several key issues, such as combating discrimination, defining its position with regard to protest movements in countries of intervention, confronting challenges related to climate change and global health security, and safeguarding patients’ personal data.

Drawing on the viewpoints of practitioners, analysts, and academics, this book will be an essential read for anyone engaged in or curious about humanitarian action.

Edited by: Duncan McLean, Françoise Duroch, Amy Mavor
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
Weight: 470g
ISBN: 9781032893242
ISBN 10: 1032893249
Series: Routledge Humanitarian Studies
Pages: 234
Publication Date: 22 January 2026
Audience: College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , Primary , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Duncan McLean is currently a Senior Researcher with MSF’s Research Unit on Humanitarian Stakes and Practices (UREPH), based in Geneva. Holding a PhD in history, he has published widely on the humanitarian sector, regularly lectures at universities throughout Europe, and is on the editorial board of the Journal of Humanitarian Affairs. Françoise Duroch began working in the humanitarian field in the early 1990s with Handicap International, then with MSF. She has spent 15 years researching gender-based violence and holds a PhD in social sciences. She is a lecturer at several universities and currently coordinates the MSF Switzerland research unit in Geneva. Amy Mavor holds master’s degrees in languages from the University of Edinburgh and translation from Université Rennes 2, and has worked since 2018 as Publishing and Editing Officer at MSF Switzerland’s research unit.

Reviews for Humanitarian Myths and Hubris: A Critical Self-Portrait from Médecins Sans Frontières

""This book offers a reflective, self-critical examination of MSF as one of the world’s most iconic humanitarian organisations, which can’t be more timely as the aid sector faces acute crises and must radically evolve to remain fit for purpose."" Gilles Carbonnier, Professor of Development Economics, The Geneva Graduate Institute ""MSF’s ability to engage in uncompromising introspection remains fascinating! A collective book that provides an insight into the organisation’s ability to confront its own practices. These are relevant questions for the entire humanitarian sector as it navigates the challenges ahead."" Jean-Baptiste Richardier, President of the Board of Directors, Humanitarian Alternatives and Co-Founder of Handicap International / Humanity & Inclusion ""Humanitarian Myths and Hubris is a critical guide for the entire MSF movement at a moment when our principles, positioning, and practices are under growing strain. It is both a mirror and a map – inviting us to renew our mission with clarity, humility, and solidarity."" Wacuka Maina, The LEAF Charity ""This volume offers an insightful perspective on humanitarian action through a medical NGO’s lens, critically exploring contemporary challenges. Reflecting a sustained commitment to the continued reappraisal of humanitarian aid, it is an essential read for anyone working, studying, teaching, or simply interested in the field."" Alexandre Hermet, Faculty Member, Sciences Po Toulouse