Global and (geo)political dynamics

Geopolitical competition increases while nationalism rises, and nations are withdrawing from international institutions and treaties. Respect for International Humanitarian Law is declining; humanitarian actors face a shrinking operational space, serious access restraints and increasing politicisation of aid. Also, conflicts are becoming more deadly for civilians and aid workers, partly due to decreasing respect for IHL and drone warfare. Amidst these shifts, humanitarian budgets are decreasing after more than 15 years of growth. The sudden cut of USAID was a prominent example of this decline, but it reflects a broader trend. These global developments have serious consequences for crisis-affected populations and for how humanitarian actors can respond.  

KUNO will work with its network to analyse these global dynamics and try to understand what they mean for humanitarian policy and practice. It will support the Dutch humanitarian sector in adapting to an environment that is becoming increasingly political and difficult to operate in.