ABSTRACT
It is vital to better understand state practices in relation to humanitarians, particularly when relations are ‘difficult’. To look more deeply into this topic, Médecins Sans Frontières launched a research project to examine MSF’s engagement with governments where ‘humanitarian space’ is restricted. The chapter first discusses differing conceptions of a state and sovereignty and then introduces Glasius’ definition of authoritarian practices as well as political concepts from Schmitt such as the state of exception and the friend and enemy distinction. With this background in place, centripetal and centrifugal forceswhich buffet INGOs are described. The chapter relates the MSF experience with states through a historical review and presentation of initial results from research in Bangladesh and the Kurdish Region of Iraq. In summary, there are no ‘strong’ or ‘weak’ states, but practices that all states engage in that are not confined to regime types which are themselves considered ‘authoritarian’.
