Third-Worldism and Sans-Frontiérisme 1954-1988

Eleanor Davey, historian of ideas and humanitarianism, senior lecturer at the Humanitarian and Conflict Research Institute, University of Manchester, discusses her book, Idealism Beyond Borders. The French Revolutionary Left and the Rise of Humanitarianism, 1954-1988, devoted to the intellectual history of sans-frontiérisme and Third-Worldism, in France, from the Algerian war to the early years of Médecins Sans Frontières.

The researcher analyzes a set of personal trajectories, including those of some of the founders and companions of the organization, against the backdrop of national liberation wars, controversies over the nature of socialist regimes and the promotion of human rights. To examine these 30 years of history is to immerse oneself in the fascinating intellectual and militant effervescence of the second half of the 20th century and its significant events: the wars of Algeria, Vietnam, Biafra, the Iranian revolution, etc.

It also captures the conditions of emergence of Médecins Sans Frontières and thus helps captures the roots of some of its characteristics, such as its relationship to political ideas and the media.

More broadly, Eleanor Davey explains why she is advocating for a wider use of her discipline, History, by humanitarians.