Big international non-governmental organizations (bingos) are getting bigger but not better. David Ransom argues for a change of direction.
October 2005's Issue
Big international non-governmental organizations (BINGOs) have recently been getting very much bigger and more numerous. Amid the world’s myriad campaigns, social movements and relief organizations, just a few – almost all of them based in the rich world – have grown into lumbering giants. Some even resemble transnational corporations, with cultures, assets and influence to match. So what are they now trying to achieve? Who, and what, do they represent? Are they the compassionate, enlightened face of globalization – or corporate predators in disguise? Some BINGOs are now coming under assault from both Right and Left. It is tempting for them to believe that they are right in the middle. But there may be no such place in the movement for global justice. This month the NI takes issue with some hallowed institutions.
Every month, we put up a selection of articles from the magazine. To enjoy the complete magazine, subscribe and receive three free issues and a world map. Or buy a digital subscription which gives you unlimited access to all magazines since 2007 and for a year after purchase on your computer or mobile device, in their original full-colour design.
Featured in issue 383
Highlighting the work of photographers from the Majority World
Highlighting the work of photographers from the Majority World
- Cesar Aponte
- 1 Oct 2005
- 0
The poverty of America
The disaster in New Orleans shows the US poor to be a world apart, believes Jeremy Seabrook.
- Jeremy Seabrook
- 1 Oct 2005
- 0
Tsunami business
It could have been their finest hour. But Mari Marcel Thekaekara encountered bad behaviour by bingos after the tsunami in Tamil Nadu.
- Mari Marcel Thekaekara
- 1 Oct 2005
- 0
Princes Amongst Men: Travels with Gypsy Musicians
Princes Amongst Men by Garth Cartwright
- David Katz
- 1 Oct 2005
- 0
Thunderbolts from the sewer
Pranav Budhathoki lifts the lid on the notorious Tvind organization.
- 1 Oct 2005
- 0
Ask before you give!
A few questions for bingos that appeal to you.
- New Internationalist Editorial
- 1 Oct 2005
- 0
Charity or justice
Part of the solution or part of the problem? Mark Curtis takes issue with bingo politics.
- Mark Curtis
- 1 Oct 2005
- 0
Bingo Babble
The dead language that keeps poverty alive, by Jeremy Seabrook.
- Jeremy Seabrook
- 1 Oct 2005
- 0
Rwanda
Rwanda after the genocide, in our Country Profile series
- New Internationalist Editorial
- 1 Oct 2005
- 0
Green imperialism
The invasion of Papua New Guinea by giant conservation corporations. Glenda Freeman reports from the front line.
- Glenda Freeman
- 1 Oct 2005
- 1
Doubters and dreamers
The triumphant return of a warlord sees Reem Haddad lamenting people’s short memories.
- Reem Haddad
- 1 Oct 2005
- 0
Silent revolution
The Chipko Movement in India, says Pandurang Hegde, has useful lessons to teach.
- Pandurang Hegde
- 1 Oct 2005
- 0
The return of the poster child
How exploitative and degrading images are still used to raise funds.
- David Ransom
- 1 Oct 2005
- 2
Interview with Sultan Kurash
Exiled singer Sultan Kurash has become a symbol of liberation for Uyghurs still under the thumb of Chinese occupation.
- Erling Hoh
- 1 Oct 2005
- 0
Why the world is ignoring Darfur
Becky Tinsley explains why the genocide in Sudan is allowed to continue.
- Becky Tinsley
- 1 Oct 2005
- 1
Dolgion: 'Life is given only once'
Survival strategies from a sewage pit in icy Mongolia. Interview by Lutaa Badamkhand.
- Lutaa Badamkhand
- 1 Oct 2005
- 0
The stain in sustainability
Sharon Beder tracks the corporate takeover of environmental campaigns.
- Sharon Beder
- 1 Oct 2005
- 0
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