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Re-mapping the politics of aid

the changing structures and networks of humanitarian assistance in post-tsunami Thailand

May Tan-Mullins is a Department of Geography, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, UK

Jonathan Rigg

Jonathan Rigg is a Department of Geography, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, UK

Lisa Law

Lisa Law is a School of Geography and Geosciences, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9AL, UK

Carl Grundy-Warr

Carl Grundy-Warr is a Department of Geography, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117570

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.

Key Words: politics of aid • Boxing Day Tsunami • southern Thailand • networks • structures • power relations.

Progress in Development Studies, Vol. 7, No. 4, 327-344 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/146499340700700404


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