Abstract
Can we prevent complex humanitarian emergencies? A flippant ‘yes’ indicates self-deception that is hard to defend. The effect of domestic and international factors on political violence and human suffering is partial, delayed, complex and mediated by many other factors. Therefore, the results of preventive strategies are uncertain and unpredictable and may even worsen rather than ameliorate the emergency. The best advice is that of Hippocrates: ‘Do no harm’.
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© 2002 The United Nations University/World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU/WIDER)
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Väyrynen, R. (2002). Conclusion: Lessons for Preventive Action. In: Nafziger, E.W., Väyrynen, R. (eds) The Prevention of Humanitarian Emergencies. Studies in Development Economics and Policy. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781403905321_15
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9781403905321_15
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-349-42802-1
Online ISBN: 978-1-4039-0532-1
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