Концептуалізація понять «гуманітарне співробітництво» та «співробітництво у гуманітарній сфері» в сучасному науковому дискурсі

Liubov Melnychuk

doi:10.31861/mhpi2026.53.60-69

Authors

Liubov Melnychuk Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31861/mhpi2026.53.60-69

Keywords:

politics, humanitarian cooperation, cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, humanitarian principles, international relations, public health, public health policy

Abstract

The article offers a comprehensive theoretical and methodological analysis of the conceptual foundations of “humanitarian cooperation”, “cooperation in the humanitarian sphere”, “humanitarian sphere”, and “humanitarian principles” within the framework of contemporary international relations. The relevance of the study is due to the absence of a unified and consistent interpretation of these categories in modern academic discourse, which significantly complicates both the development of coherent theoretical approaches and the effective implementation of humanitarian policies at national and international levels.

The research systematically examines existing scholarly approaches to defining the humanitarian sphere as a multidimensional domain encompassing socio-cultural, educational, scientific, and legal practices aimed at ensuring sustainable human development, social cohesion, and the protection of fundamental human values. Particular emphasis is placed on clarifying the conceptual boundaries and functional distinctions between “humanitarian cooperation” and “cooperation in the humanitarian sphere”. While these terms are often used interchangeably in academic and policy contexts, the study demonstrates that “humanitarian cooperation” represents a broader category that integrates value-based, normative, and ideological dimensions of international interaction. In contrast, “cooperation in the humanitarian sphere” is interpreted as a more practice-oriented concept focused on specific sectors and mechanisms of collaboration.

Furthermore, the article explores the essence and role of humanitarian principles – humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence – as fundamental guidelines that shape the nature of international humanitarian engagement and ensure its ethical and operational integrity.

The scientific novelty of the study lies in the systematization and conceptual differentiation of key humanitarian categories, contributing to the refinement of the theoretical apparatus of international relations. The practical significance of the findings is reflected in their applicability to academic research, higher education curricula, and the formulation of effective strategies for humanitarian interaction, particularly in the context of contemporary global crises and conflict situations.

Author Biography

Liubov Melnychuk, Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University

PhD in Political Science, Associate Professor of the Department of International Relations and Public Communications

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