The International Review of the Red Cross: Witness to the humanitarian revolution

Abstract

The International Review of the Red Cross occupies a unique position in the world of academic publications. First, of course, is its long history: 2019 marks the Review's 150th anniversary, making it one of the oldest periodicals in the world to be published continuously. 1 The complete collection, including the Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, Russian and Turkish versions, fills nearly 12 meters of library shelves. The Review has published 23,686 articles covering more than 110,000 pages. Another standout feature is the journal's editorial line: the Review has always been driven by the humanitarian imperative of the founders of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (the Movement). The changing nature of crises has constantly challenged humanitarian thinkers to come up with practical new solutions, be they of a political or a legal nature. Throughout its history, the Review has had the distinction of driving this debate forward at all levels, from practice to theory to policyin other words, from the battlefield to the drawing board and then the negotiating table. The Review has a rich history, and that is the focus of this issue. 2 The journal offers a unique perspective on the history of the Movement and the humanitarian sector more broadly, but also on that of contemporary conflicts and crises. From the Franco-Prussian War in 1870 to the ongoing war in Syria (the focus of our last issue), the Review's archives offer insights into 150 years of tragedies, shortcomings and progress, written by visionary pioneers, inspired amateurs and seasoned expertsmodern humanitarians all. This anniversary issue of the Review gave the editorial team a chance to invite researchers to explore these various dimensions. It is also an opportunity for me to discuss my own experience with the Review since I joined it in 2010, my passion for this journal, the editorial decisions we have made, and the topics we will address in the coming years. Expanding, informing and professionalizing through 150 years of humanitarian writing The Review is by far the oldest publication in the humanitarian sector. This is no minor detail. For me, the journal's longevity is a tribute to the perseverance and tireless humanitarian commitment of successive generations of men and women who have used it as a platform for sharing their thinking, their new ideas and their experiences. On these pages, you can ponder technical drawings of the first-ever