¹School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University, New York, the United States & School of International Organizations, Beijing Foreign Studies University, Beijing, China

^*Correspondence: Jiawen Li, E-mail: lijiawen@bfsu.edu.cn

J. Int. Eco. Glo. Gov., 2024, 1(5), 92-109; https://doi.org/10.12414/jiegg.240302

Received : 25 Aug 2024 / Revised : 25 Aug 2024 / Accepted : 27 Aug 2024 / Published : 30 Sep 2024

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Abstract

This paper explores the International Committee of the Red Cross’s (ICRC) strategic engagement in multilateralism and global governance, particularly in the context of international humanitarian law (IHL). A neutral, impartial, and independent humanitarian organization, the ICRC plays a crucial role in shaping global governance by influencing international norms, collaborating with state and non-state actors, and responding to humanitarian crises. The paper analyzes the ICRC’s approach through the lenses of liberalism, constructivism, and realism, assessing its effectiveness in promoting humanitarian principles, navigating geopolitical challenges, and maintaining its mandate of neutrality. By examining case studies such as the Syrian conflict and the global migration crisis, the paper highlights the ICRC’s strengths in negotiating access, protecting civilians, and fostering compliance with IHL, while also addressing the limitations posed by resource constraints and the complexities of global politics. The study concludes that the ICRC’s contributions to multilateralism are indispensable in fostering global peace, stability, and the protection of human dignity.

Keywords: ICRC, Multilateralism, Global Governance, International Humanitarian Law, Neutrality, Humanitarian Principles, Global Peace Building

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None.

Conflicts of Interest:

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to report regarding the present study.

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The ICRC’s Approach to Multilateralism and Global Governance