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- Convenors:
-
Paul Gilbert
(University of Sussex)
Jessica Sklair (QMUL)
Emma Mawdsley (University of Cambridge)
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- Chairs:
-
Olivia Taylor
(University of Sussex)
Brendan Whitty (University of St Andrews)
- Discussants:
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Sarah-Jane Phelan
(University of Sussex)
Jo-Anna Russon
- Format:
- Paper panel
Short Abstract:
This panel invites contributions from early career and established scholars to explore new methods – from complex ‘follow the money’ approaches, to experimental or creative forms like fictionalization – in response to the growing role of powerful private sector actors in ‘Aidland’.
Long Abstract:
Research into the global development industry (‘Aidland’) has traditionally been dominated by a focus on particular organisations (e.g., NGOs, Bretton Woods organisations); and people (aidworkers, policy makers, etc.). The 21st Century has seen a dramatic increase in the role played by private, for-profit contractors in designing and implementing development projects (Roberts 2014; Sundberg 2014; Whitty et al. 2024). These firms include specialist development consultancies, climate change advisors (Keele 2019), education policy consultants (Ball 2009), security contractors (Nagaraj 2015) and multinational engineering conglomerates (Taylor and Gilbert, forthcoming). A second trend has been the growing focus on attracting private finance into ‘Development’, including through novel financialised tools and initiatives (e.g. Ebola bonds). These trends create opportunities, but more often challenges, for researchers: questions around ‘collaboration’; problems of (physical and information) access; negotiation around confidentiality and NDAs; and the need for particular forms of expertise (e.g. financial). Such challenges are not all new in development studies, but are intensified by the increasing role played by for-profit firms, alongside development finance institutions (Devex 2019), philanthropic foundations (Sklair and Gilbert 2022), and even asset managers like BlackRock (Gabor 2019). These challenges are further intensified by gendered and racialized precarious career pathways necessitating ‘patchwork’ research engagement (Günel et al. 2020). This panel invites contributions from early career and established scholars alike, to explore new methods – from complex ‘follow the money’ approaches (Hughes-McLure 2022), to experimental or creative forms like fictionalization – in response to the growing role of powerful private sector actors in ‘Aidland’.