Political Science
Actors and Institutions
Document Type
Book Chapter
Abstract
The chapter examines actors and institutions that respond to humanitarian crises, which can generally be categorised as state or non-state actors. It introduces state actors as the primary humanitarian entities. Starting with state actors is essential because they bear primary responsibility for managing disasters and responding to them. State constitutions, international law, and international norms recognise the primacy of states. State actors also include regional and global intergovernmental organisations that states create and mandate to respond to transnational problems such as disasters that one government alone cannot manage. Although the UN and its systems function as a state actor, the chapter author treats the UN as a unique institutional entity because of its global reach, because of its ability to coordinate the entire system, and for driving reforms across the world. The author also notes that state actors and institutions work alongside and together with a range of non-state actors across all levels of governance. Ultimately, this chapter shows that the future of humanitarianism will be defined by how state and non-state actors work together.
Publication Title
An Introduction to Humanitarian Action
Publication Date
1-2025
First Page
99
Last Page
144
ISBN
9781000877168
DOI
10.4324/9781003350279-6
Keywords
humanitarian crisis, state actors, humanitarianism
Repository Citation
Boateng, Oheneba A., "Actors and Institutions" (2025). Political Science. 121.
https://commons.clarku.edu/faculty_political_science/121
