Doctoral Dissertation Research: International Humanitarian Organizations: From Relief to Development

Arizona State University, Scottsdale AZ

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract SES 9908461 PI: George M Thomas, Mei Yujun This project tracks the growth and development of international non-governmental humanitarian organizations (INGO's). These organizations sometimes shape social change and influence culture independent of, or even in competition with, political organizations in the countries affected. Yet these international relief organizations, which have grown rapidly in number since the end of World War II, are not well understood in terms of their interactions with political and cultural forces in the countries where they are present. This project begins by enumerating the founding and growth of all such organizations, classifying various aspects of their structure and function. Next a sub-sample of organizations will be selected in which changes since founding will be documented. The project will assess hypotheses derived from theories of world culture and world economic systems.