Politics of responsibility: governing distant populations through civil society in Mozambique,Rwanda and South Africa |
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Authors: | Håkan Thörn |
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Institution: | 1. Gothenburg Centre for Globalisation and Development, Department of Sociology, University of Gothenburg, Swedenhakan.thorn@gu.se |
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Abstract: | This article presents and analyses the findings of a research project on power relations in the context of development partnerships with civil society on HIV/AIDS in Mozambique, Rwanda and South Africa, and engages in a critical dialogue with governmentality analysis. It argues that contemporary neoliberal government needs to be understood as context-specific articulations of three forms of power discussed by Foucault – sovereignty, discipline and biopower – and, in the global domain, a fourth form of power – (new) imperialism. Further, the analysis demonstrates how the introduction of a ‘package of (de-)responsibilisation’ shapes CSOs’ activities so that they become competitive service providers, use evidence-based methods and produce measurable results. Addressing the issue of resistance, it shows how the transfer of responsibilities may involve tension and struggle – a politics of responsibility. |
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Keywords: | Global governmentality development partnerships international aid civil society sub-Saharan Africa global governance |
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