Humanitarian aid as an instrument of influence in a strategic perspective

This article examines the strategic use of humanitarian aid, which may involve interactions with both political allies and political adversaries. In theory, a state could exploit a natural disaster occurring on the territory of its adversary to enhance its strategic position. However, in practice, this does not occur because such actions are associated with long-term costs and go beyond the bounds of socially acceptable behavior in disaster situations. Furthermore, states typically refuse to act when their adversaries suffer a tragedy. On the contrary, they demonstrate a willingness to provide assistance to their strategic opponents. The author demonstrates that competition among major international players for favorable, positive perceptions in global public opinion remains intense. This type of competition is becoming a key feature of the emerging new world order based on the principle of diversity. The desire to create a positive image in the eyes of the foreign public is explained by the fact that it plays a significant role in the achievement of various foreign policy goals and the implementation of international initiatives. The article highlights foreign humanitarian aid as an effective tool for image-building. States may provide humanitarian aid for various reasons. It may be provided for altruistic reasons, to improve the socioeconomic situation in developing countries, or for economic reasons, to generate additional profit. At the same time, it can be seen as a means of influencing the political elite of recipient countries, which serves to advance the foreign policy interests of donors and to foster favorable public opinion of the donor country in recipient countries and on the global stage.

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