SOAS Research Online

Abstract

The term ‘fragile’, as opposed to ‘rogue’, implies weakness and the need for assistance. It suggests that a humanitarian intervention might be appropriate for an abused or neglected population. But what are humanitarian NGOs’ responsibilities? Should they temporarily fill gaps in infrastructure, or should they also work to rebuild and improve that infrastructure? How closely should NGOs’ work be linked to ‘western’ governmental agendas? In this discussion Zoe Marriage argues that NGOs have become part of the political scene, and should therefore proceed with extreme caution. Christian Captier maintains that taking too monolithic an approach carries risks and that NGOs working outside the political sphere have an essential role to play. There are many ‘fragile’ states and the question of how ‘western’ NGOs should respond is not about to go away.