Aidnography

I actually read Ulf Laessing’s Understanding Libya Since Gaddafi during my summer break and finally finished turning my initial notes into a longer review. Ulf Laessing’s book is not a happy read, but he finds an excellent tone to move beyond headlines and stereotypes, the ‘failed state’ narrative that all too often dominates mainstream discussions. In his book Libya comes to life between historical observations, journalistic insights and a detailed academic engagement with the country. Libya’ modern, 20th century history starts with another aspect of Northern power plays and extended colonialism: In Libya, independence was a result of neither ancient heritage nor armed struggle-it was a country created by world powers (p.21) A clueless international community Fast forward to the end of the Gaddafi regime and what strikes me more than once is how clueless the ‘international community’ seems after 25 years of dealing with post-war peacebuilding: ‘ It was a time when Western governments...

Hi all,  A long week is coming to a well-deserved end...we examined great student blog projects this week and I also read really nice communication plans that make teaching during such a difficult time very worthwhile-even if that meant that I had to miss quite a few interesting panels elsewhere. Quite a few interesting readings still appeared on my radar and I am happy share them with you! My quotes of the week “What prompts people to give is an emotional connection – that doesn’t have to be pity,” said Davison. “It can be joy, it can be anger, it can be a sense of positivity and hope.” (Comic Relief stops sending celebrities to African countries) The logic of international development still relies on reproducing the same destructive economic model that drives inequality, environmental destruction, and climate breakdown. Aid is a precious and powerful resource for influencing norms and behaviour, providing global public goods, and protecting the most vulnerable. But following the...

Hi all, The one great thing about compiling my weekly review is that I never really know what will end up here on Friday...the Art Deco legacy of Karachi? AOC campaigning on Twitch? Another #globaldev abuse scandal in Sudan? A new documentary on Equatorial Guinea? A photo-storytelling project from a women's prison in Moldova? Or a new article on environmental celebrity tropes? Well, they all in this week's review-so explore, read, enjoy and share! My quotes of the week That brings us back to the Peace Prize – the only one of the Nobel Prizes that can – for unclear reasons – be bestowed upon institutions. Does WFP as the UN’s largest humanitarian body with an approx US$8 billion budget really need the medal, diploma, and modest US$1 million money? Will it make any difference to countering the record levels of world hunger or progressing peace anywhere? (Peace continues to elude the Nobel Prize) Whiteness is a highly malleable category (who is considered white has changed a lot ...

Hi all,  I will keep the intro short after a busy week with lots of inspiring discussions, a great panel at the DW conference, plus teaching, grading & student mentoring-very grateful I have the paid job that I have :) My quotes of the week You forced your civilisation upon us and now look where we are: global pandemic, climate crisis, species extinction and, driving it all, widespread spiritual poverty. In all these years of taking, taking, taking from our lands, you have not had the courage, or the curiosity, or the respect to get to know us. To understand how we see, and think, and feel, and what we know about life on this Earth. (This is my message to the western world – your civilisation is killing life on Earth) “I see it as a bit of a missed opportunity because I think organizations like the World Food Programme are fairly well known. They have large budgets. They have ample means to get out their own message,” Bosco said. “The Nobel has the opportunity to highlight orga...