Introduction : a living example of the puzzle -- The man of the humanitarian system -- The evolution of humanitarian action -- Adaptability and the planner's problem -- Political competition replaces market competition -- The bureaucracy of humanitarianism -- Killing people with kindness --...

In 2010, Haiti was ravaged by a brutal earthquake that affected the lives of millions. The call to assist those in need was heard around the globe. Yet two years later humanitarian efforts led by governments and NGOs have largely failed. Resources are not reaching the needy due to bureaucratic...

In democracies, the presence of an independent media not only heightens voter awareness of important policy issues but also provides them with accurate information about the behavior of political agents. This enables voters to monitor politicians who are thus made more accountable to the public....

Intro -- Contents -- Preface -- Acknowledgments -- A Living Example of the Puzzle -- Part One. The Here and Now -- 1. The Man of the Humanitarian System -- 2. The Evolution of Humanitarian Action -- Part Two. The Realities of Humanitarian Action -- 3. Adaptability and the Planner's Problem -- 4....

Current proposals for strengthening policy ownership in reforming economies are fundamentally flawed. Modeling the reform process as a prisoners' dilemma demonstrates that political agents must overcome this conflict of interests before present proposals for bolstering ownership will work. A...