Theoretical Perspectives on Humanitarian Governance: A Comparative Analysis of Realism, Constructivism, and Liberal Internationalism

Abstract

Humanitarian governance refers to the set of principles, institutions, and policies that guide global responses to humanitarian crises. This paper examines humanitarian governance through the lens of three major international relations theories: realism, constructivism, and liberal internationalism. While realism emphasises state interests and power dynamics, constructivism highlights norms and identities, and liberal internationalism focuses on multilateral cooperation and institutional frameworks. Through an analysis of three case studies—the US invasion of Iraq (2003), the international response to the Rwandan genocide (1994), and the global management of the COVID-19 pandemic—this study evaluates how these theoretical approaches explain humanitarian interventions and their effectiveness. The findings reveal that humanitarian governance is often shaped by political considerations rather than purely humanitarian motives. The paper concludes by offering policy recommendations for strengthening humanitarian governance through a more integrated theoretical framework that balances state interests, global norms, and institutional mechanisms.