This book presents a comprehensive study of the modern humanitarian diplomacy both bilateral and multilateral, its history, main actors, areas of action and tools. On the theoretical level the book covers the role which humanitarian diplomacy plays in reaction to the actual challenges for human security like armed conflicts, ‘failed states’, underdevelopment, terrorism, natural disasters, etc. The potential and limits of both bilateral and multilateral humanitarian diplomacy are studied through the lens of the current humanitarian situation in the world. The main challenge identified is a permanent reproduction of the sources of human insecurity and an actual presence of 'spaces of lawlessness' in the world politics where basic human rights are under permanent threat. From that perspective the study finds out limits of bilateral humanitarian diplomacy and demonstrates how it is structured through the logic of the national interests. On the contrary, the multilateral humanitarian diplomacy conducted by international intergovernmental organizations, civil society groups and business actors is more effective in responding to the emergencies and reestablishing normal conditions in the crisis zones. The book concludes with some recommendations. The first one is about the necessity of the comprehensive global dialogue on the modern humanitarian challenges. The second one is on the deepening of the 'humanitarian dimension' of the Russian foreign policy.