Tan-Mullins, May, Rigg, Jonathan, Law, Lisa, and Grundy-Warr, Carl (2007) Re-mapping the politics of aid: the changing structures and networks of humanitarian assistance in post-tsunami Thailand. Progress in Development Studies, 7 (4). pp. 327-344.

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Abstract

The 26 December 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami caused massive human and economic destruction. In this paper we argue that the international response to the tsunami exemplifies a shift in the way humanitarian aid is sourced and delivered, and tease out a framework for understanding the continuities and discontinuities that led to differential distribution across a range of sites in southern Thailand. On the one hand we examine the degree to which we can understand differential aid distribution in terms of persistent characteristics in the political economy, such as lack of transparency and corruption . We also consider the importance of ‘traditional’ structures, networks and resiliences and their role in influencing aid distribution. But these sorts of explanations must be nuanced in light of the emergence of new aid linkages and networks, particularly the move from formal organizations to individualized and direct donations. We suggest these patterns reflect new abilities of communities to mobilize trans-national networks, a more participatory approach to aid donation and an opportunity to re-map the multi-scalar politics of aid.

Item ID:	11583
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1477-027X
Keywords:	politics of aid; Boxing Day Tsunami; southern Thailand; networks; structures; power relations
Date Deposited:	20 Jun 2010 23:20
FoR Codes:	16 STUDIES IN HUMAN SOCIETY > 1604 Human Geography > 160499 Human Geography not elsewhere classified @ 100%
SEO Codes:	95 CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING > 9599 Other Cultural Understanding > 959999 Cultural Understanding not elsewhere classified @ 100%
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