17 - Conclusion

Summary

The author concludes, first, that the ICRC is not in fatal decline, especially given its continued sizable budgets (even if reduced) and relatively new financial supporters, such as the World Bank. ICRC leaders and many staff continue to have good high-level contacts with important policymakers around the world, these latter often approaching the president and other officials for discussion of pressing topics. The ICRC is often consulted within the United Nations, including in the Security Council. However, there is much to discuss about the precise nature of ICRC diplomacy. Does it stay in its humanitarian lane as strictly humanitarian and Dunantist? Or, as some critics maintain, does it wander too far afield when it should be more focused on traditional issues?