International development

Horizontal Development(s)

Module code: 007IDS
Level 6
30 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Workshop
Assessment modes: Coursework

This module explores emerging ‘horizontal’ forms of development assistance and humanitarian aid, including flows of resources, expertise and labour that make up ‘South-South humanitarianism’ (Pacitto and Fiddian-Qasmiyeh 2013).
They are understood as informal, decentral development practices, and include:
  • hometown associations
  • grassroots groups
  • local and international solidarity activities
  • peer-to-peer assistance.
We will cover to what extent these forms of private aid address the power differentials at the heart of 'traditional' North-South aid paradigms; whether these initiatives have distinctive modes of operation or ethics; and what difference these new forms of aid make for those that receive their support.

Module learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate a systematic knowledge and understanding of key theoretical perspectives on horizontal development(s)
  • Critically reflect on the theories of, and assumptions about, peer-to-peer support, private aid, and solidarity in dominant development paradigms.
  • Critically analyse the political, economic and social factors that shape these emerging forms of development and private aid
  • Independently identify, explore and evaluate appropriate evidence of drivers of such private aid activities through specific case studies.
  • Independently identify, explore and evaluate appropriate evidence of drivers of such private aid activities through specific case studies.