http://www.search4dev.nlOnline library for Dutch development cooperationenwww.kit.nldpcmedewerkers-uba@uva.nldpcmedewerkers-uba@uva.nlWed, 22 May 2013 23:10:52 CEST/d/dprn/graphics/bbhead.gifhttp://www.search4dev.nlhttp://www.search4dev.nl/record/412767http://www.search4dev.nl/record/412767INGOs need to intensify their support to, or even become part of, global social movements if they want to introduce structural change. They must also push for the creation of a global governance system for global public goods.E.-J. Quakhttp://www.search4dev.nl/record/412766http://www.search4dev.nl/record/412766INGOs are at a crossroads. Caught up in a tide of technocracy, they have become increasingly managerialist – ‘outsider’ experts disconnected from the real struggle. But which road should they take? Can they transform societies, or should they opt for a more modest role, as catalysts for change?E. Lammershttp://www.search4dev.nl/record/412765http://www.search4dev.nl/record/412765The NGO community agrees that the foreign aid frame is no longer a viable option, even if that means that NGOs have to evolve into something else. The question is, should today’s NGO by retired, replaced or rejuvenated?M. Edwardshttp://www.search4dev.nl/record/412763http://www.search4dev.nl/record/412763In this editorial piece is stated that international NGOs can only really become agents of structural change if they are also rooted in their respective societies. They will have to engage the challenges that Western societies are facing and worrying about. And, again, they must address the common international and global systemic causes behind these challenges. This is the only way that they can create sufficient critical mass – political power – to help solve those problems.F. Bieckmannhttp://www.search4dev.nl/record/398120http://www.search4dev.nl/record/398120In this column, Erwin Bulte, professor of economics at Wageningen University and Tilburg University, the Netherlands, discusses the question if microfinance institutions are still reaching the poor and if so, do their loans help the poor to move up?E. Bultehttp://www.search4dev.nl/record/398119http://www.search4dev.nl/record/398119Two wars in 20 years between South Ossetia and Georgia have created a society in a state of flux with a flow of internally displaced people and returnees in the region. Dina Alborova, director of the Agency for Social, Economic and Cultural Development, talks about the difficult job of bridging the gap between ethnic Georgians and Ossetians and building peace in the region.D. Alborovahttp://www.search4dev.nl/record/398118http://www.search4dev.nl/record/398118Global power shifts are altering the development landscape, necessitating a parallel shift from a development aid focus to a global development policy that addresses priorities linked to global public goods. The European Union has the funds, expertise and experience to drive this initiative, but first its member countries need to agree on concrete goals and implement a common strategy for realizing them. Public diplomacy regarding EU development policy needs improvement. The EU and its members must convey to the public that global development is a long-haul process that does not immediately produce measurable results. The EU must also convey that the short-term costs will be outweighed by the longer-term benefits of equitable GPG provision.M. FurnessD. Makhanhttp://www.search4dev.nl/record/398117http://www.search4dev.nl/record/398117Petra Stienen reviews seven books that explore the nature of change in the Arab world in recent years. What role have young people, journalists and new technologies played in this process, and what effect will they have on post-revolutionary societies there?P. Stienenhttp://www.search4dev.nl/record/398115http://www.search4dev.nl/record/398115The new millennium saw a shift from project aid to budget support, which channels funds directly to recipient governments. Budget support seeks to improve ownership and accountability in partner countries, and requires them to meet certain conditions, such as the development of sound economic policy, fighting poverty and good governance. Many have criticized budget support, however, arguing that it plays into the hands of corruption in partner countries. Studies on budget support tell conflicting stories, making it difficult to assess its impact. However, there is evidence that it is effective in achieving modest long-term objectives.A. de KempS. Leidererhttp://www.search4dev.nl/record/398114http://www.search4dev.nl/record/398114Development organizations have yet to come to terms with the inherent complexity of institutional change. Institutional change takes time, and the kind of institution best suited to a given situation depends on the context. Institutions understandably tend to mimic other successful organizational structures, but this often only creates the illusion of capability and legitimacy. Development organizations therefore need to build a deep understanding of the rules systems at work in the society in question and acknowledge the unpredictability of change in the complex social systems of fragile states. Only then can they adapt their practices accordingly and help build institutions that work.F. de Weijer