Contribution long abstract:

In conflict zones like southern Lebanon, multiple actors—ranging from UN peacekeeping missions to NGOs and CSOs—compete for space, resources, and influence in addressing humanitarian and developmental needs. This paper examines the "turf wars" that emerge between the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), local civil society organizations (CSOs), and international NGOs, focusing on how these conflicts reflect broader tensions around solidarity, neutrality, and decolonization.

Using the 2024 war on Lebanon as a case study, the research explores how UNIFIL’s peacekeeping mandate intersects—and often conflicts—with the priorities and approaches of NGOs and CSOs operating in the same space. It highlights examples of friction, such as competition over funding, conflicting operational goals, and divergent approaches to engaging with local communities. These tensions reveal underlying power imbalances, where UNIFIL’s international backing and resources often overshadow local efforts, raising questions about decolonization and the role of solidarity in humanitarian action.

The paper contributes to the panel’s exploration of polycrises by analyzing how overlapping crises—geopolitical, social, and humanitarian—amplify these tensions. It calls for rethinking coordination and collaboration models to advance equitable partnerships that respect local agency while addressing systemic inequalities. The paper highlights the barriers to achieving equitable partnerships in polarized and crisis-affected environments, offering insights for reimagining collaboration in ways that prioritize justice and local agency.