Notes on International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs)

Definition of INGOs

• INGOs: Nonprofit organizations with an international presence.
• Difference from NGOs: NGOs may only operate domestically.
• Purpose: Provide relief or aid in crisis situations (e.g., food shortages, natural disasters, human rights issues).

Historical Context

• Origins: Emerged in the 1800s due to global disparities that required external resources.
• Historical Role:
  • Abolishment of slavery.
  • Women's rights movements.
  • Aid during World War II.
• Notable INGOs:
  • Amnesty International.
  • American Red Cross (both Nobel Peace Prize recipients).

Growth and Influence

• U.S. Statistics:
  • 2015: U.S. had 26% of all INGOs globally.
  • 500% increase in presence of INGOs in some countries over 20 years.
• Criticism: Quantity does not always equate to quality; many organizations may be ineffective.
• Speculations on growth:
  • Increased global needs.
  • Social media influence.
  • Nonprofit work seen as profitable.

Funding Issues

• Funding Sources:
  • Donors and government agencies.
  • Political agendas may influence funding (e.g., corruption).
• American Red Cross Case: Criticized for mismanagement of donations in Haiti (only six homes built with $500,000).
• Rent-Seeking: Organizations may exploit resources for profit rather than aid.
• Trickle-Down Effect: Funding diminishes as it moves through various layers (from donors to local NGOs).

Examples of Harmful Aid

• TOMS Shoes Model:
  • Donating shoes led to local cobblers going out of business.
• Bill Clinton's Rice Policy:
  • Low-cost rice imports harmed Haiti's local rice production and self-sufficiency.

Recommended Resources

• Documentaries:
  • Poverty, Inc. (available on Netflix).
• Books:
  • Killing with Kindness by Mark Schiller, examines INGOs in Haiti and paternalism in aid.

Paternalism in Aid

• Definition: Wealthy donors regulating recipients' choices as a condition for assistance.
• Effects: Undermines self-sufficiency and local decision-making.

Cultural Conflicts

• Example of cultural tension:
  • Western INGOs opposing practices like female genital cutting without understanding local contexts.
  • Criticism of Western practices (e.g., breast augmentation) while condemning local customs.

Conclusion

• Many INGOs are driven by genuine altruism.
• Rather than creating new INGOs, focus should be on revamping existing systems that contribute to current challenges.