The actors with the capital: The policy network within the United States’ emergency food aid & its global impact
2022 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 10 credits / 15 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
Background: Whilst food aid has grown to be one of the largest forms of humanitarian assistance, questions on its benefits for recipient countries and populations have continuously been raised. While many actors have today shifted their approaches to food aid, The United States stands out in upholding status quo. Aim: This thesis has aimed at answering the question of ”How does domestic interests within the United States currently impact emergency food aid globally?”. Theoretical Framework: The study draws from Policy Network analysis, as part of Social Network Analysis, and the concept of Social Capital. Methodology: A qualitative desk review has been made with gathered information examined through qualitative close readings, the use of Social Capital, and a Policy Network Analysis visualized in a sociogram.Findings & Discussion: Findings suggest that 1) the U.S. has a large role and influence in global emergency food aid; 2) identified actors in the relevant policy network are actors within the executive branch of the federal government; the legislative branch of the federal government; and non-governmental actors and 3) identified interests within the policy network are altruistic interests, public economic interests, private economic interests and national security interests. Conclusions: This thesis argues that the identified policy network’s conflicting domestic interests, with national security and private economic interests on the one hand and altruistic interests and public economic interest on the other, have an influential impact on global emergency food aid. Future research: Future studies could aim at identifying further connections between domestic and international interests and policies related to U.S. emergency food aid and the U.S.' influence in shaping global norms and policies.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2022. , p. 45
Keywords [en]
Food Aid, Food Assistance, Food for Peace Program, Emergency Food Security Program
National Category
Social Sciences Other Social Sciences not elsewhere specified
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-479982OAI: oai:DiVA.org:uu-479982DiVA, id: diva2:1683077
Subject / course
International Humanitarian Action
Educational program
Master Programme in Humanitarian Action and Conflict
Supervisors
Examiners
2022-08-152022-07-132022-08-15Bibliographically approved