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Power Relations in Bilateral Development Assistance - A case study of the Oil for Development programme in Timor-Leste

Övergaard Östby, Anlaug LU (2012) STVK12 20121
Department of Political Science
Abstract (Swedish)
This thesis aims to identify power structures in bilateral development assistance using the Norwegian Oil for Development (OfD) programme in Timor-Leste as a case study. Relying mainly on the works of Hughes (2009) and Abrahamsen (2004), the paper presents several examples of power structures considering the aid dependency of Timor- Leste, and the claimed altruistic intentions of the OfD programme. The objective is to show the various forms that power can obtain in such relationships, and that they do not necessarily take on the traditional conceptualization of power as direct domination. The demand-driven aspect of the OfD programme is found as the main form of subtle power that is exercised. Norad is hiding its sovereignty of power... (More)
This thesis aims to identify power structures in bilateral development assistance using the Norwegian Oil for Development (OfD) programme in Timor-Leste as a case study. Relying mainly on the works of Hughes (2009) and Abrahamsen (2004), the paper presents several examples of power structures considering the aid dependency of Timor- Leste, and the claimed altruistic intentions of the OfD programme. The objective is to show the various forms that power can obtain in such relationships, and that they do not necessarily take on the traditional conceptualization of power as direct domination. The demand-driven aspect of the OfD programme is found as the main form of subtle power that is exercised. Norad is hiding its sovereignty of power behind this concept and despite a present demand for further assistance in Timor-Leste, the programme has made reductions that imply it will end in 2012 as initially intended. The paper argues it is important for both Norad and Timor-Leste to be aware of the power structures. Furthermore it argues that Norad should act upon its altruistic intentions with the OfD programme by responding to the demand for further development assistance in the areas where such need is expressed. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Övergaard Östby, Anlaug LU
supervisor
organization
course
STVK12 20121
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
power, aid dependency, bilateral development assistance, demand-driven, oil-led development
language
English
id
2544482
date added to LUP
2012-06-28 10:16:43
date last changed
2012-06-28 10:19:29
@misc{2544482,
  abstract     = {{This thesis aims to identify power structures in bilateral development assistance using the Norwegian Oil for Development (OfD) programme in Timor-Leste as a case study. Relying mainly on the works of Hughes (2009) and Abrahamsen (2004), the paper presents several examples of power structures considering the aid dependency of Timor- Leste, and the claimed altruistic intentions of the OfD programme. The objective is to show the various forms that power can obtain in such relationships, and that they do not necessarily take on the traditional conceptualization of power as direct domination. The demand-driven aspect of the OfD programme is found as the main form of subtle power that is exercised. Norad is hiding its sovereignty of power behind this concept and despite a present demand for further assistance in Timor-Leste, the programme has made reductions that imply it will end in 2012 as initially intended. The paper argues it is important for both Norad and Timor-Leste to be aware of the power structures. Furthermore it argues that Norad should act upon its altruistic intentions with the OfD programme by responding to the demand for further development assistance in the areas where such need is expressed.}},
  author       = {{Övergaard Östby, Anlaug}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Power Relations in Bilateral Development Assistance - A case study of the Oil for Development programme in Timor-Leste}},
  year         = {{2012}},
}