Power & solidarity in humanitarian governance – what aid workers really think

The authors conducted a survey of humanitarian workers on issues related to power in humanitarian governance.  The study was particularly interested in probing the perceptions and attitudes of aid workers regarding the current inequalities in the sector and the possibility of fundamental change.  Localization was a useful window to assess relations of power, and especially between “international” and “local” actors.

There are lots of possible takeaways, but without more detailed evidence it is probably unwise to draw too many conclusions.  The differences between international and local agencies are potentially vast, but not insurmountable. Being able to work effectively together will be a lot more enjoyable and effective if international and local agencies developed trust and a genuine spirit of comradery and solidarity, but maybe this is expecting too much until there is a real shift in power.