This paper investigates the politics of social assistance in protracted crises, focusing on the nexus of social protection and humanitarian assistance. It identifies effective approaches for international actors to engage with and strengthen systems at national and subnational levels.
The analysis draws on country studies from the Better Assistance in Crises (BASIC) Research programme and applies a comparative analytical framework to examine the dynamics of social assistance in Lebanon, Yemen, and Nigeria.
Key findings include the substantial influence of international actors in countries with tight public finances and large-scale conflict, the diminishing scope of international influence when considering the full set of social protection instruments, and the role of informal networks in providing support where state and international actors fall short.
The paper emphasises the importance of understanding and working with existing local capacities, embedding technical measures in locally owned reform pathways, and investing in the wider rule of law to advance effective social protection.
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