Fighting for Humanity in War

We live in a turbulent period of armed conflict, mass migration, divisive politics and uncertain futures. Our smartphones and TV screens bring a continuous stream of images showing a world that is full of strife and suffering, with hospitals bombed, populations besieged, civilians targeted and millions uprooted from their homes. Advances in technology and communication mean that we know more than ever about what happens in war, including the atrocities that can occur.

How do Americans and people from across the globe perceive war and the rules governing the conduct of armed conflict in this era? Why does it matter? Have we gone numb to human suffering? And what can be done by global policymakers and others to promote greater respect for international humanitarian law?

Please join New America for the launch of “People on War 2016,” a global survey commissioned by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and carried out by WIN/Gallup on public attitudes towards war. More than 17,000 people in 16 countries, including those living in countries in conflict, such as Afghanistan, Iraq, South Sudan and Yemen, as well as powerful countries fighting wars, like the United States and Russia, were surveyed on key issues such as the protection of civilians, attacks against hospitals, treatment of detainees, and the role of the international community in ensuring respect for the rules of war.

Follow the discussion online using #FightingForHumanity and following @NewAmericaISP.

Participants:

Yves Daccord @YDaccordICRC
Director-General, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

Elisa Massimino @ecmassimino
President and CEO of Human Rights First

Mustafa Haid @a2haid
Chairperson, Dawlaty Foundation & Yale World Fellow

Paul Eaton @VetVoiceFound
Major General (Ret.), U.S. Army

Moderator:

Rosa Brooks @brooks_rosa
Senior Future of War Fellow, New America