In the last two decades especially, we have witnessed the rise of ‘celebrity’ forms of global humanitarianism and charity work, spearheaded by entertainment stars, billionaires, and activist NGOs (e.g. Bob Geldof, Bono, Angelina Jolie, Madonna, Bill Gates, George Soros, Save Darfur, Medeçins Sans Frontières). This book examines this new phenomenon, arguing that celebrity humanitarianism legitimates, and indeed promotes, neoliberal capitalism and global inequality.

Drawing on Slavoj 鬚i鱉ek’s work, the book argues how celebrity humanitarianism, far from being altruistic, is significantly contaminated and ideological: it is most often self-serving, helping to promote institutional aggrandizement and the celebrity ‘brand’; it advances consumerism and corporate capitalism, and rationalizes the very global inequality it seeks to redress; it is fundamentally depoliticizing, despite its pretensions to ‘activism’; and it contributes to a ‘postdemocratic’ political landscape, which appears outwardly open and consensual, but is in fact managed by unaccountable elites.
Reviews

Kapoor cuts through the tsunami of celebrity banality like a hyper-critical porpoise with purpose - a sleek, brilliant riposte to gormless media values.

Paul A. Taylor, University of Leeds

Ilan Kapoor's stunning new book exposes the most appealing--and thus most dangerous--sacred cows of contemporary ideology: the humanitarian actor, the billionaire philanthropist, and the NGO. Kapoor shows that it is precisely where we feel most emotionally satisfied that we must be most suspicious. Celebrity Humanitarianism represents a landmark in the critique of ideology and a decisive blow in the struggle against apolitical ethics

Todd McGowan, University of Vermont

"Celebrity Humanitarianism critiques an intriguing phenomenon: spectacularized humanitarianism. Publics are increasingly mobilized as visual witnesses to images of stg relief work or posing with newly transnationally adopted children; "benevolent"corporate billionaires on redemptive missions in Africa; or iconic manoeuvres of semiotically savvy NGOs. Against the popular adulation of these figures or their liberal recuperation, Kapoor's brilliant Zizekian analysis complicates this picture with a disarming thesis: celebrity humanitarianism legitimates and indeed promotes liberal capitalism and perpetuates global inequity. This is an enjoyable yet critical, serious and non-celebratory approach to celebrity and corporate philanthropy, as well as the disavowal characteristic of our post-political age."

Diane Rubenstein, Cornell University, USA

"This short book is engaging, witty and it carries an important message. Highly recommended to all, especially to those who like Bono."

Ray Kiely, Professor of International Politics, Queen Mary University of London

Contents

Introduction: Celebrity Humanitarianism and Ideology 1. Celebr...