War Games: The Story Of Aid And War In Modern Times

by Linda Polman

From Rwanda to Afghanistan, from Sudan to Iraq, this devastating expose shows how the humanitarian aid industry, the media and warmongers are locked in a cycle of mutual dependency on battlefields around the world.

'Polman shines a light on the multibillion dollar juggernaut that is today's humanitarian aid network. A disturbing account that raises profound questions' Financial Times

'One of the finest reporting journalists of the modern age - Polman is gutsy, intellectually penetrating and far from naive' Evening Standard

'Cool, brusque, fearless. A marvellous account' Guardian

Genres: Nonfiction, Society, International Development, History, Politics, Africa, War

288 pages, Paperback

First published April 19, 2010

Reviews

[Natan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Living in Israel, you learn that every word written in newspapers regarding the troubles in the Middle East must be taken with a heavy dose of salt, for example when various groups seeking nothing but mischief and/or violence are called "aid organizations", and missions whose conscious objectives are supplying terrorists are described as "humanitarian", even when large amounts of weapons are among the "aid." You also learn to be extremely cynical, to say the least, about anything regarding the United Nations.

While reading this book, I was surprised at myself for not having the presence of mind to previously doubt the intentions and motives of various "humanitarian efforts" in countries far away from here, as well. But, I guess that's one reason we read books - to open our minds to things we wouldn't necessarily think about ourselves.

About the book itself - it's rather depressing, and I think the author occasionally takes unnecessary potshots at aid workers' lifestyles in far-away, war-torn lands, but I have no doubt she is spot-on in her exposure of the corruption and ultimate futility of so-called "aid agencies" and "humanitarian relief efforts." Perhaps, though, she could have included one chapter dedicated to a good Samaritan, somewhere in the world, who is truly dedicated to helping in such situations. and does so effectively. Just to remind us that some good still exists in the world. I'm sure at least one such person could have been found.

[Saba Malik · Rating 4 out of 5]

really takes you out your naive bubble of feel good beliefs, and makes you realise what the aid industry has truly become despite many good intentions, it is a business and an instrument of war, Where human angle is used to fit part of the story to serve ends far from equitable and benign.

[Babak Fakhamzadeh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Polman is clearly rather embittered about the less than efficient aid industry, judging from the near endless list of anecdotes she parades past. Interesting though they are, they also quickly feel old. Sure, aid can be much more efficient and, sure, all the little NGOs should more often band together and present a united front to avoid being used and abused by those in control of the areas they are trying to provide for, hut Polman annoyingly is very scant on providing solutions, meaning that the whole book ends up being little more than a frustrated rant.
Somewhat annoying, as the subtitle of the book, The Story of Aid and War in Modern Times, suggests a more structured and researched approach. Nevertheless, more recent events which saw relief poor in did see more centrally organized efforts to minimize duplication and waste, the Haiti aftermath being the typical example.
If anything, Polman does make a case for, even if she pretends not to, to only provide aid in acute emergency situations. Say, a flood or an earthquake.
It has been shown that democracies do not suffer from famine and that the amputations in west Africa, during the Sierra Leonan civial war, were fueled by the media's attention for it. All the more reason to let countries, their people and, most importantly, their own governments, solve their problems as opposed to the international aid community trying to solve their problems for them.

The events she talks most about are mop ups in Sierra Leone, Darfur and Rwanda.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not an eye-opener (I was already aware of many facts here) but equally impressive. Read it before opening your wallet for the next "humanitarian emergency".

[Kev Ali Stair · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I told my friend what I was reading his response was a roll of the eyes and the comment, "Heaven forbid people try to help somebody without being criticized for it." It made me want to read the book aloud to him (or beat him over the head with it).
Poleman's exposé should be required reading for people who use phrases like 'something is better than nothing'; people who earnestly believe that well-intentioned humanitarianism can only improve the recipients quality of life. That's not always the case, but this is merely a small part of the book.

The overarching thesis, if I had to boil it down to one salient point, is this: NGO's cannot and should not be apolitical.

Things I really liked about this book:
- Despite the author's extensive travels and wealth of experience, this wasn't a laundry list entitled, 'Look at the things I did in the world', much the way similar first person accounts on hot button topics are.
- The anecdotes are short, well articulated, insightful. It was easy to read in short spurts - a few pages on the train or a couple quick pages while the kettle was boiling.
- The facts and figures sat comfortable among the anecdotes. It's not a textbook offering rapid fire facts or elaborate contexts about each crisis area. The book flowed really well and didn't dumb down the issues for the reader.
- The chapters were not divided by region or war zone. Each chapter touched on a different problem that aid workers faced or where aid workers failed. The evidence, by way of anecdotes of regions or conflict zones, are threaded throughout the book; as though the anecdotes are in conversation with each other.
- The 'Afterword: Ask Them Questions' chapter was succinct, insightful, and to the point.

[Rawan Baybars · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was published before 2010. Since then, numerous events and developments have occurred. As someone working with INGOs for more than a decade, regrettably, it is evident that little has changed since Polman's work was published, with more recent examples emphasizing the ongoing shortcomings within the humanitarian aid field.

Polman's book argues that aid can inadvertently perpetuate conflicts and create dependencies, undermining the long-term prospects of affected communities. While her observations and examples are thought-provoking, the book is only relevant for the period it was written for. Since the publication of "War Games," the world has witnessed numerous humanitarian crises, such as the Syrian civil war, the Rohingya refugee crisis, and ongoing conflicts in Yemen and South Sudan. These events have exposed further shortcomings within the humanitarian aid sector, including issues of mismanagement, diversion of resources, and compromised neutrality.

Polman's writing style, blending personal experiences and investigative journalism, remains engaging and evocative. She successfully challenges the idealized image of humanitarian aid, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable realities, initiate critical dialogue, and encourage self-reflection within the aid industry.

[Angelina Souren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This excellent translation of this insightful book by Dutchwoman Linda Polman is a must-read for anyone interested in the background behind the Oxfam scandal and in the workings of the humanitarian aid industry.

Warning: You may never donate to one of these good causes again after you've read this book.

Also recommended is the HarvardX course "Humanitarian Response to Conflict and Disaster" available on EDX.org ("https://www.edx.org/course/humanitarian-response-conflict-disaster-harvardx-ph558x-0), but that does not give you this kind of inside story. If you are already familiar with its course material (as I was), Linda Polman's book is an eye opener.

Also interesting within this context is the (archived) HarvardX course "Central Challenges of American National Security, Strategy, and the Press: An Introduction" which you can find at https://courses.edx.org/courses/HarvardX/HKS211.1x/3T2013/course/

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this brilliant eye witness account of the humanitarian aid industry, journalist Linda Polman gives us a glimpse into the problems faced by humanitarians all over the world whilst trying to prevent and alleviate human suffering. Polman guides us, at times not so gently, into understanding that the aid industry is not at all how it is portrayed by the media.

Insisting that aid organisations are 'businesses dressed up like Mother Theresa', Polman discusses the possibility that aid can be used as a political weapon and actually prolong war. She ultimately asks whether or not the best option, when faced with human suffering, is for the aid industry to do nothing at all. Surprisingly, after reading this book, you might find yourself agreeing with the notion, to an extent.

http://www.lindapolman.nl/uk/#/synopsis

[Jennifer Olsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would say this is less an exposé and more of an extended opinion piece. Yes, it does bring light to the international humanitarian aid industry, but there is so much bitterness in the writing and very obvious personal feeling that it is hard to read as an informational book.
At the end there is a very short chapter on 'so what can we do about all of this,' which offers basically zero solutions other than 'do nothing,' 'continue forward with all of the negative consequences that have been listed in this book,' and 'ask the aid organizations for more accountability.'

3 stars because I did learn a lot about the true colors, so to say, of the humanitarian aid industry, but it was borderline snarky for most of the book, especially the glossary of 'aid terms' at the end. I would be curious to know how this industry has changed in the 14 years since this book was published & if the author herself has recovered from her own bitterness in respect to it.

[Eric Randolph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Darkly comic array of anecdotes about how aid can go devastatingly, stupidly wrong, useful in its way, but the book seems to lack the understanding that all large human endeavours end in corruption and mess - including those operating in the world's most chaotic and violent environments - and leaves all the key points very loosely substantiated and the difficult questions barely explored.

[Jon Smog · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very important perspective on aid from an insider.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worthy account of how aid may sometimes exacerbate conflict.

[Jake · Rating 4 out of 5]

My best friend's sister lent me this book, most likely in hopes that I'd understand more about the humanitarian world, and I have to say it was much more beneficial to read than I had originally anticipated. I honestly had expected a list of factoids assembled in an effort only to bash Bush and any other Republicans in power at the time of its publishing. I was very wrong. This piece is very fair and informative. While not alleviating any one person of fault, it is obvious that Linda Polman's interest lies strictly in illustrating a realistic portrayal of life in the world of aid volunteers in the third world. There are many ethical dilemmas one will encounter deep in the practice of aid work, even what is referred to as 'ethical disasters', and they are just that. And while some of the time it can be as simple as helping the less fortunate, it can otherwise be a very complex situation. For example, the situation in Rwanda that is well known to many first world citizens. There was a massive ethnic cleansing carried out by the Hutus against the Tutsis. These two tribes had a long history of bad blood. But while the Tutsis wanted nothing more than to escape the genocide of the belligerents, aid was being provided by the Red Cross, the biggest of all aid organizations, who's policy at the time was 'to provide aid regardless of politics or stance' or something of the like. Basically they would help whoever might need assistance. Food, medical care, shelter, etc... was given to many starving residents of a refugee camp near the heart of where the Rwandan genocide had been taken place. Little did the Red Cross volunteers realize, they had been helping many Hutus, who were gaining food and useful items for trading to further carry out their destruction of the race of Tutsis. Situations like this and many other ethical dilemmas are addressed in this piece. An excellent read and quite an eye opener to the lay person like myself. Worth every reader's time.

[Will · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was very excited to read this book, and have to say that I felt very let down by it. If one were to believe the view of humanitarianism painted in this book, one would only see rich white people in business suits (the author actually makes the absurd claim that humanitarians are more likely to be working in suits than in the field), and that NGOs hire "aid angels" (i.e. hot women) to appear in camera in complex emergencies in order to get more funds. The author also fails to distinguish between amateur non-professional NGOs (i.e. the type set up by a church or single well-wisher) from professional structured NGOs like MSF or ICRC. She just lumps them all in together, and as such, her views lack nuance or understanding. Further, although the book was published in 2010, she bases all of her arguments on observations she made in the 1990s, failing to account for the massive push in professionalization and standards-based delivery of humanitarian assistance that has changed the humanitarian movement since the more amateurish 90s (which, to be clear, was 20 years ago). The book ends with a rather embarrass "aid dictionary" which claims to translate aid speak into plain English. Not very good at all.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This slender volume is a brilliant exposé of the various dysfunctions of the humanitarian aid (and development) industry, and it has earned a place on my shelf alongside Rupert Smith's "Utility of Force." Anyone who thinks simply investing more in humanitarian aid will lead to world peace would do well to read this book. War Games is investigative journalism, not an academic treatise, so while it's certainly well-researched, Polman is not pretending to be impartial, comprehensive, or to provide any solutions to the problems she diagnoses. She is calling out for critical engagement with a very thorny issue: that aid agencies and relief workers do not in fact stand outside the dynamics of crisis; they are actors in their own right, and as such, they are prone to folly, abuse and error just as much as any other actor, including warring parties. Her framing of the quandary along the ethical lines between the deontological imperatives underlying the Red Cross tradition of impartial aid and the utilitarian observation that well-intended actions can actually increase suffering helps illustrate the challenge. It is bleak reading: there are no answers here, but the questions she raises are good ones, and ever more topical.

[Madeline · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book shows a ton of criticism to the current humanitarian industry, and gives plenty of reasons to back up said criticism, but lacks any concrete suggestions toward a solution.

If you are looking for a source to back negativity towards the aid industry, she gives great substance. Be prepared for a long disaster filled history lesson...which is really just telling you how the world works, she's on point with that one.

That being said...she clearly makes her case and has valid reason to do so. It's a good book and deserves to be read if you want to be educated on the international humanitarian aid industry.

[Manuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most interesting book I've read recently.
If you've ever thought about donating or helping for an international cause, especially when it comes to material aid, have a look at this book.
It's quite short, and explains how inevitable it is that most of the money ends up in the wrong people's pockets, and sometimes worsens the local situation. It encourages the reader to think about media reporting on humanitarian crises, and to ask the right questions.

[Alex Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great expose of the development environment and how it is practiced. It has made me more sceptical and will make me question even more how my actions impact development on the ground. The research is extensive and the book is really well written considering the subject matter I flew through it. It's an essential read for anyone pursuing a career in humanitarian aid and who wants to know more about how aid is implemented and practiced.

[Yana Shevkirova · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very provocative account on everything that has happened during the years of humanitarian aid supply and distribution. Seems to me that it can easily become rather disturbing for most of the people, who still hold an altruistic vision and believe in the principles of organisations such as the Red Cross. Good examples of how aid can become politicized and how it can be used as a tool of war.
Very, very disturbing, shocking at times and unforgettable, I'd say.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading.

Highlights deep corruption in much humanitarian work. This brings it to life much more than someone saying, it is a problem. The inevitable conflict and use of aid agencies that arises when they are a major potential source of income.

Very sad, many anecdotes. At times gets repetitive, which in itself illustrates how many saddening examples of what humanity becomes in war.

[David Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a preaching-to-the-converted sort of book. There wasn't much that I hadn't heard or experienced. Anger was mixed with laughter. I laugh because of the absurdity and I am angry because of the constant Catch-22. What to do! Bottom line - it had to be said.

[Matt Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not as easy as just giving humanitarian aid. Giving aid sometimes means lengthening civil wars, supporting oppressive regimes and helping people that committed genocides before helping their victims.

[Debby Kean · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's brilliantly informative! Everyone ought to read it...

[V · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book - Linda Polman is excellent. No nonsense, frank reporting. Not an academic read, but she gives the reader a good sense of on-the-ground reality and frustration.

[Jane Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but very much to the point, this is an examination of the aid industry. It should make all of us think about the moral dilemma in giving aid which prolongs and funds conflicts.

[Liisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye-opening look at some of the problems with the aid 'industry', I kept reading paragraphs of this aloud and irritating people, highly recommended!

[Naumaan Omair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once read, you are bound to doubt western humanitarian complex. Informative. Critical. Detailed.