The Humanitarian's Dilemma: Collective Action or Inaction in International Relief?

Abstract

"The burning question is: why do these findings, many of them identified by aid agencies over a decade ago, still have traction? This is what we explore in this Background Note, first by examining the stated reasons for the apparent lack of change put forward by those within the sector. We then move on to introduce analytical frameworks which we believe will help uncover some important underlying and often neglected issues. Following a preliminary application of these ideas to the sector, we reflect on the implications for its future and suggest how change might be brought about."