Recognizing Recognition – An analysis of donor-recipient relations using the example of Sino-Malawian cooperation

Abstract: The partnership rhetoric is widely spread in development studies and practice. This thesis revisits the debate on partnership using Honneth’s theory of recognition. In order to shed light on the role of recognition in donor-recipient relations, Sino-Malawian cooperation on infrastructure projects in Malawi is exemplarily examined. A discourse analysis of original expert interviews with Malawians is conducted. These interviews with representatives of local development nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and civil servants were conducted by the author in 2013. The analysis reveals the important role of recognition in the constitution of a development partnership; in addition to awareness of material and social aspects. This includes the consideration of symbolic aspects such as visible progress, the importance of fostering transparency of agreements towards the population and the awareness of risking infringement of sovereignty by conditions on aid.