Assemblages of networks, partnerships and friendships in international development: the case of Malawi and Scotland

Imlah, Alayna (2017) Assemblages of networks, partnerships and friendships in international development: the case of Malawi and Scotland. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This thesis explores the everyday lived experiences of people involved in the relationship between Malawi and Scotland by critically examining the historical relationship between the two countries as well as the contemporary activities, meaning and context of the existing partnerships, relationships and networks. The role of networks and scale are also considered, primarily as they relate to international ‘development’. The research demonstrates that Malawi and Scotland do have a unique relationship, one founded on the legacy of interconnectedness granted by David Livingstone’s memory, and turned into a positive historical narrative. This special relationship has been strengthened through the implementation of a small international ‘development’ fund managed by the Scottish Government and the supporting of networking organisations between Malawi and Scotland, which appear to create spaces and opportunities for people to assemble together and jump scales of activity in communicating across national and international boundaries. As such this relationship based on equality, partnership and friendship between two small counties, one in Southern Africa, one in Northern Europe, offers a hopeful vision for international co-operation, assemblages of people and of partnerships that are truly equal, as long as the ever increasing trend towards neoliberal policies and bureaucracies around ‘development’ are resisted, even rejected.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Malawi, David Livingstone, Aid-effectiveness, international development, networking organisations, development partnerships, international co-operation, Scottish Government, Scotland Malawi Co-operation Agreement, Scotland Malawi Partnership, neoliberal and international development, colonialism, friendship and international development.
• Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GN Anthropology
• Colleges/Schools: College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
• Supervisor's Name: Briggs, Professor John and Philo, Professor Chris
• Date of Award: 2017
• Depositing User: Dr Alayna Imlah
• Unique ID: glathesis:2017-8278
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 16 Jun 2017 07:56
• Last Modified: 24 Aug 2017 10:09
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/8278