Paths of consensus? : A reshaping of Aid Politics? The place for Humanitarian Assistance within Civil-Military Coordination.

Abstract

The focus of this thesis is on the civil-military cooperation (CIMIC ) currently used in complex conflicts and post-conflict situations. It examines how this method may have an adverse effect on the hitherto cooperative relationship between the Norwegian state and Norwegian humanitarian non-governmental organizations (NGO) . Their close relationship is often referred to as the “Norwegian Model” known for constructive humanitarian assistance based on consensus between the state and the NGOs in which the NGOs played an important and autonomous role. NGOs have for the most part kept a sceptical position towards civil-military cooperation methods, since they are dependent on being perceived as a neutral actor in the field. They are concerned that it may seriously affect the neutrality of humanitarian aid. With the CIMIC approach the political focus stands to shift dramatically and Norwegian NGOs are facing a situation where they have to cooperate and coordinate with a third party, namely the Norwegian military. This thesis attempts to examine the different perspectives held by the state, NGOs and the military regarding this new approach and to ask whether Norwegian NGOs are indeed affected by this new tripartite approach to aid.