Humanicontrarian
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A blog by Marc DuBois. This blog is supposed to spark critical discussion around current issues affecting humanitarian action, with an eye to points of view running contrary to the prevailing discourse.
Humanicontrarian
1w ago
Though many claim otherwise, last week’s televised and unprecedented Oval Office clash did not signal a new insistence on transaction politics or recognition of American greatness. Instead, President Trump’s performance (and VP Vance’s, if not the broader US government’s) shocked by laying bare a demand for politics as transaction and genuflection. Gone was the facade ..read more
Humanicontrarian
3w ago
There is neither moral nor practical (nor even rational) explanation for the damage inflicted the cuts to USAID, especially the cruelty and politically motivated suddenness of them. Nonetheless, there are some questions to be asked. Let’s start with the runner up questions – things we should ask ourselves. The President’s dictate is appalling. Yet Trump’s ..read more
Humanicontrarian
1y ago
Here is the headline we did not see these past two days: “Seven aid workers died in the humanitarian crisis in Gaza”. Instead, headlines and politicians alike condemned Israel’s deadly military strike on the World Central Kitchen team. The difference is telling. We find that human beings with names and faces have been killed. We ..read more
Humanicontrarian
1y ago
SPARKED BY OUTSIDERS 1. Sometimes I am struck by artists and other creators who seemingly grasp humanitarian action better than I. This realization comes with a modicum of envy. They seem to breathe the human condition rather than analyze it. Humanitarian action is a silo, a sectoral silo that shapes and also stunts our perspectives ..read more
Humanicontrarian
1y ago
Here is Friday’s Gaza headline: “Israel’s defense chief says military ‘thoroughly planning’ offensive in crowded Gaza border town”. One might ask: What the hell does that mean? I don’t know which is more shocking, the idea that it has not been thoroughly planned (aside from those first few days), or that it has. And that ..read more
Humanicontrarian
1y ago
[I have been drafting and delaying the posting of a number of blogs related to Gaza. In the small points they make they simply don’t seem appropriate given the latest news. Now over nine weeks in, I’ve lost faith in the idea of waiting for the right time.] Last Thursday, world humanitarian #1 Martin Griffiths ..read more
Humanicontrarian
1y ago
Preface. My friend and colleague Sean Healy died last night and it hurts. Too soon, too unfair, and too painful to so many people. A great MSFer, humanitarian and person. You might think that people working in the humanitarian business would be familiar enough with life and death to be more prepared for when the ..read more
Humanicontrarian
1y ago
While the views expressed below may appear critical of localization, this blogsite is an ally: as local as possible; as international as necessary (see here or here).[1] One particular and necessary strength of the established global humanitarian order has been the production of guidance and standards that govern practice, boost coherence, and safeguard its legendary ..read more
Humanicontrarian
2y ago
Depending on how you look at it, it was Day 4 or Year 8 of the war in Ukraine when I began drafting this blog. It is now Day 145. I recall those early days, the emotions stirred as I saw my younger self in the wire-rimmed glasses and quilted winter coat of a young ..read more
Humanicontrarian
3y ago
The leader of the UK’s Labour Party just took action. “I would, of course, do the right thing and step down.” This is, of course, politics. Kier Starmer’s catchy response to accusations he broke Covid lockdown rules was delivered in order to contrast his integrity with the Prime Minister’s refusal to hold himself to account. ..read more