Evolution, ideas and the possibility of change of the humanitarian sector

Authors

  • Raphael Gorgeu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21153/thl2024art2035

Keywords:

humanitarian system, socio-phenomenological, change

Abstract

This article reflects on the research project 'Thinking about the evolution of the humanitarian sector: an exploration within the world of ideas', conducted by Raphael Gorgeu, Senior Research Associate at HERE-Geneva. The project explores the dynamics of change specific to the humanitarian sector through a socio-phenomenological approach, acknowledging the centrality of ideas in order to grasp how social reality changes. Based on a literature review of 8,000 documents from the international humanitarian system, it describes the historical evolution in the way humanitarian aid has been thought of over the period between 1991 and 2021, and reveals the presence of autonomous forces and mechanisms shaping the idea of humanitarian action over time. By introducing the approach developed for this work and discussing some of its conclusions, this article aims to be as useful for researchers as it is for humanitarian aid professionals and leaders, providing an original way to think through the logics of change specific to this sector.

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Author Biography

  • Raphael Gorgeu

    Raphael Gorgeu is Senior Research Associate at HERE-Geneva and a consultant in humanitarian affairs. He has about 20 years of experience in the humanitarian sector, both in the field and at headquarters, in operational, advocacy, policy and strategic leadership positions. Raphael was Director of Policy and Partnership at the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA) from 2015-2018, and served as Deputy Director of Operations and Head of Analysis, Positioning and Advocacy at Médecins Sans Frontières between 2018 to 2022. Prior to this he was Country Director with Médecins Sans Frontières in South Sudan, Yemen and Haiti, and has held multiple field positions with other INGOs. Raphael holds master’s degrees in management, humanitarian aid, and international relations, and followed a PhD in Political Science. He has a specific interest in philosophy and a deep appetite for exploring social science theories.

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Published

2024-08-20

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 1 (2024): The Humanitarian Leader

Section

Articles

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How to Cite

“Evolution, ideas and the possibility of change of the humanitarian sector” (2024) The Humanitarian Leader, 6(1), p. Working paper 047, July, 2024. doi:10.21153/thl2024art2035.
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