Globalization, Populism and Humanitarian Sensibility in Australia

This project was commissioned by the Australian Red Cross to inquire into the nature of humanitarianism in Australian society.

It was conceived against a backdrop of apparent declining public support for humanitarian causes worldwide and intensifying hostility in western societies especially, towards persons seeking asylum and towards refugees, primarily from Muslim-majority countries in the Middle East.

In this context, this project was framed with four principal objectives:

  • to distil the insights of past inquiries and to situate this project amongst current studies of humanitarianism in Australia, this project conducted a literature review of published research into humanitarian and charitable attitudes, practices and histories of Australia and Australians. 
  • to gain insight into the current discursive and socio-political milieu, this project conducted an analysis of publications in Australian mainstream media that relate to international humanitarian issues and situations. Particularly focused-upon were opinion and commentary about these situations.
  • to understand how some Australians have been moved to act upon humanitarian and charitable sensibilities, 17 face-to-face interviews were conducted with people who have established organisations, projects, ventures etc., to actively assist others in need.  
  • to build capacity to counter populist strategies and arguments by developing an extensive body of contrary evidence to support interventions in key public debates on humanitarian crises and responses, refugee and asylum seeker issues, and right-wing populist propaganda and mobilisations, through social media and in mainstream print and digital news
Photo of the Australian flag blowing in a strong breeze, attached to a metal flagpole. Background is a blue sky with clouds forming at the bottom of the photo.

Project timeline: 2018

Key contributors:

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This project addresses the following Sustainable Development Goals and Targets:

Goal 10 - Reduce inequality within and among countries

10.2 By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status

Goal 16 - Peaceful and inclusive societies, justice for all and accountable and inclusive institutions

Target 16.1 Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere

Target 16.b Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development

Goal 17 - Partnerships

Target 17.17 Encourage and promote effective public, public private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships  

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Get in touch

For more information or to discuss partnership and collaboration opportunities, email us at SDGs@rmit.edu.au.

For more information about RMIT’s sustainability commitments and activities visit www.rmit.edu.au/sustainability

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.