Humanitarian Transition - Development - Authoritarian regime
This research questions the meaning and scope of the “humanitarian transition” in Laos, a country that is not considered a priority because it is not affected by large-scale natural disasters or armed conflicts. Yet humanitarian needs do exist: Laos remains one of the world’s poorest countries.
By combining a socio-anthropological approach to development with a spatial analysis using GIS (geographic information systems), the aim of this research project was to take stock of humanitarian action in Laos and to describe the transformations in its field of intervention, focusing in particular on the renewal of practices, ethical positioning and the definition of a strategy within a complex political and economic environment. Based on surveys carried out in Laos between July 2014 and August 2015, this article proposes a mapping of the humanitarian landscape and a qualitative, quantitative and spatial analysis of its actors, activities, dynamics and modes of governance.
We questioned the place of humanitarian action in a context where priority is given to development. The case of Laos is rich in lessons, as it clearly reveals the porous boundaries between humanitarianism and development, for the populations concerned, field workers, donors and governments alike. We have attempted to describe the difficulties and dilemmas encountered by those involved. How to work in an authoritarian context? How should they position themselves? Should humanitarian actors withdraw to make way for development actors, or should they evolve and adapt their interventions to the political context, changing needs and funding methods? Finally, is the classic humanitarian/development dichotomy relevant in Laos?