Neutrality, impartiality, independence — these are the foundations of humanitarian action. Yet today, aid is increasingly politicized, shaped by donor agendas, government restrictions, and global power struggles. The result? Slower access, fragile trust, and a growing gap between humanitarian principles and operational realities.

In this episode of Quantum Humanitarian, we explore the uncomfortable truth that humanitarian aid often serves as much as a political tool as it does a lifeline. Drawing on Ali Al Mokdad’s insights, the conversation looks at how donor conditions, host government controls, and global North–South imbalances distort the delivery of aid. We also discuss how neutrality — the very shield that protects humanitarians — can crack under pressure, with lasting consequences for access and credibility.

Links:

⁠The Struggle for Change in Humanitarianism: When Good Intentions Meet a Rigid System⁠

or

https://medium.com/@almokdadali1/the-struggle-for-change-in-humanitarianism-when-good-intentions-meet-a-rigid-system-46ed302042cd

⁠The Tragedy of Great Humanitarian Politics⁠

or

https://medium.com/@almokdadali1/the-tragedy-of-great-humanitarian-politics-ed63294a65a9

⁠The Politicization of Humanitarian Aid: A Problem We Can’t Ignore⁠

or

https://medium.com/@almokdadali1/the-politicization-of-humanitarian-aid-a-problem-we-cant-ignore-59a340a867a5