Local and National NGOs in the International Humanitarian System: Dependence, Interdependence or Independence?

My proposed research is focused on the integration of local and national organisations into the international humanitarian system, and how this affects the independence, values and modes of working of L/NNGOs. It will involve ethnographic research with L/NNGOs, designed to understand the specific, everyday practices and processes through which they interact with and experience the international humanitarian system. It is also concerned with the diversity of local humanitarian action, and the ways in which new and emerging actors relate to and challenge, and are themselves influenced by, the 'formal' humanitarian system and its established ways of working. The ultimate aim is to add nuanced and situated research to the debate surrounding local humanitarian action.