This book investigates how the massive displacement of people following World War II catalyzed the development of modern international humanitarian relief and global governance. Gerard Daniel Cohen, a historian specializing in international relations, utilizes archival records from relief organizations and state documents to argue that postwar operations were not merely rehabilitative. Instead, he posits that these efforts established the foundational frameworks and norms for how international bodies and non-governmental organizations manage displaced populations in the contemporary era.

Scholars and historians frequently cite this work as a critical examination of the origins of modern internationalism. Readers often note the academic rigor and the detailed archival research that supports the author's claims regarding the evolution of refugee policy.