This book is the result of a strong collaboration between the Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations and Fordham University’s Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs. It is a record of a series of distinguished lectures that explored the current challenges to policymakers and humanitarian actors as they focus their efforts on larger and more complex emergencies. The contributors to this book both identify innovative measures in addressing established problems and address hitherto under-researched emerging issues. A Skein of Thought is the product of this fruitful partnership. Ireland has, through its longstanding peacekeeping, its embrace of multi-lateralism, and its investment in development and humanitarian solutions, been a global leader in confronting and mitigating global disasters. In a similar way, the Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs has been a global leader in humanitarian training, publications, and research. A Skein of Thought: The Ireland at Fordham Humanitarian Lecture Series, then, represents this link between theory and practice.

The Refuge Press
The Refuge Press is an independent humanitarian imprint that was founded in 2019. Following on from a successful International Humanitarian Affairs Series through Fordham University Press, The Refuge Press, with Brendan Cahill as its Publisher, publishes four books per year. The Refuge Press books challenge humanitarian thinking and offer personal and professional reflections on global crises.

Brendan Cahill - Executive Director, Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs, Fordham University
For nearly twenty years Mr. Cahill has created, directed and taught humanitarian programs throughout the world. At Fordham University he established a thriving undergraduate program and two Masters programs in Humanitarian Studies. He founded The Refuge Press, of which he serves as Publisher.

Johanna Lawton – Program Officer, Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs, Fordham University
Ms. Lawton is the Program Officer for the Ireland at Fordham Humanitarian Lecture Series and an editor for the IIHA’s Refuge Press. Holding a B.A. in Environmental Policy from Colby College, she has focused her research at home and abroad on natural resource-driven conflicts, human rights violations, and the forced displacement of communities due to climate change.

Brendan Cahill - Executive Director, Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs, Fordham University
For nearly twenty years Mr. Cahill has created, directed and taught humanitarian programs throughout the world. At Fordham University he established a thriving undergraduate program and two Masters programs in Humanitarian Studies. He founded The Refuge Press, of which he serves as Publisher.