In a thematic focus of the journal Focaal (vol. 98/1, 2024), the extension and differentiation of various forms of humanitarian aid are explored, which are deeply rooted in contemporary political and social order. In the introduction by Heike Drotbohm and Hansjörg Dilger, who are also the editors of the special issue of the journal, the contemporary emergence of new forms of informal, crisis-related care practices is outlined, which both complement and contradict classical forms of humanitarian aid. Against the background of increasing widespread criticism of large-scale international humanitarian assistance, the dissemination, merging, and differentiation of novel forms of non-state aid are described. Drotbohm and Dilger (2024) consider, from an affect theoretical perspective, how care regimes are experienced, carried out, and reflected upon beyond crisis situations.