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Paper short abstract:

This paper explores the liminal subjectivities of international humanitarians on a Greek island as shaped through everyday encounters that reveal parallels between the study of humanitarianism, migration and tourism.

Paper long abstract:

This paper responds to Lisa Smirl's observation that the 'highly visible bodies and physical environments of aid workers are almost completely overlooked in any analysis of post-crisis reconstruction or emergency response' (2008:237). Based on fieldwork on an Aegean island that has experienced massive social change since 2015, this paper turns attention away from refugees and towards the thousands of people, mostly from the global north, who cross borders to 'help' or 'stand in solidarity' with refugees. Humanitarian and Mediterranean imaginaries combine in the safety and familiarity of a Greek island as a unique context for people wishing to 'practice' international humanitarianism, meet the exotic other or simply enjoy the weather, food and beaches. With many from this social group staying for a couple of weeks or as little as a few days, their 'sightseeing', 'souvenir gathering', fluctuating presence and deep engagement with the island's touristic infrastructure challenge rigid notions of who is a humanitarian and who is a tourist. Analysis reveals multiple realities as these visitors variously and discursively distance themselves from or embrace concepts and practices associated with tourism. The paper explores the liminal subjectivities of humanitarians on the island and how they are shaped through everyday encounters with other 'humanitarians' and 'tourists', 'refugees', 'locals', and other 'others'. It demonstrates the fluidity and intersecting nature of these socially constructed categories while testing the perhaps unhelpful analytical binary of host and guest. In doing so, it aims to contribute to knowledge in the fields of humanitarianism, migration and tourism.