Agents of continuity or catalyst of change? Exploring the role of INGOs in the quest for decolonisation.

Abstract

Introduction: International Non-Governmental Organisations are essential in global development, but their role in decolonisation needs to be clarified. In the present day, they face criticism due to a disconnect between their activities and the desires of the countries in which they work. Objective: This study aims to explore INGOs' role in the decolonisation process of early 1970 by looking at the self-reported aims of INGOs and presenting a few case studies of some relevant organisations. Theory: World System Theory, Postcolonialism, and Humanitarian imperialism were used. Method: The data was obtained from the Yearbook of International Organisations from the Union of International Associations. A literature review was performed by snowballing from Baughen’s (2022) book for the qualitative analysis. Results: Based on the self-reported stated aims, INGOs have little involvement in either maintaining, or weakening, a colonial system. The qualitative analysis of a few organisations, however, nuances this, as especially Save the Children was more an agent of colonial continuity than its, on paper humanitarian aims, suggest. Conclusion and implications: This study sheds light on the role INGOs have taken in the process of liberation. It also begins to present the possible discrepancies between the stated aims and the actions INGOs partake in. Future research should continue to use the YIO; that way, we can find ways to improve it. Policy: Recommendations for more effective initial data collection and more opportunities for research collaborations.