In the increasingly complex world of humanitarian assistance, how big a role should international politics play? This chapter in the 2000 edition of 'Great Decisions' investigates.

Published annually by the Foreign Policy Association, the Great Decisions briefing book features impartial, thought-provoking analyses on eight issues of concern to U.S. policymakers today. The 2000 edition features analysis of the U.S. interests redefined, Russia's outlook, Indonesia in aftershock, role of U.S. military, Middle East realignments, the euro and the dollar, Africa reassessed, and humanitarian intervention.

Joanna Macrae