CfP: Innovation and the changing face of humanitarian practices & ethics (Journal of Humanitarian Affairs)
Innovation and the changing face of humanitarian practices & ethics
(Editors Gemma Sou, University of Manchester, Tanja Müller, University of Manchester)
Recent discussion within humanitarian affairs has centred on the so-called innovation of humanitarian practises, and the changing face of the humanitarian sector. For instance, there has been a proliferation of ‘gadgets’, ‘gizmos’ and alternative technologies. Other conversations also focus on the need to professionalize the humanitarian sector, as well as increase the role of local communities in humanitarian action. There is also great debate on the need to blur the lines between humanitarian action and a set of agendas such as development, peace, state building and military action. These ‘innovations’ are framed as progressive and potentially increasing the effectiveness of the humanitarian sector, particularly in contexts of increasingly complex crises. However, there is still a need to question the normativity of these so-called innovations, and to critically question their impacts on the humanitarian sector. In light of this background, this Special Issue seeks to explore the diversity of so-called innovative and new humanitarian practises. Some questions include: To what extent are these practises new and unprecedented phenomena within humanitarianism? Are they forging a (re)conceptualisation of humanitarian norms, ethics and principles? How are they (re)configuring the micro-politics of humanitarian practice? Are they increasing the effectiveness of humanitarian programmes?
To be considered for this special issue, potential contributors should submit an extended abstract (600 words max) to Tanja Müller and Gemma Sou. The Special Issue is open to contributions from a range of disciplines. A chief consideration for contributions to the Special Issue will be originality in the form of theory and concept building, methodological innovation, novel policy perspectives and original field research and data. All commissioned contributions will be subject to double blind peer review and there will be no guarantee of publication once an abstract is commissioned.
Read more about the journal and CfP http://www.manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/journals/journal-humanitarian-affairs/
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