In the last decade, the international aid system has failed to translate its commitments to “conflict sensitivity” into action. Instead, this article suggests that conflict sensitivity risks becoming a box-ticking exercise – one that perpetuates rather than challenges the fundamental flaws in the aid system. It argues that by focusing on technical support to address problems at the programme level has obscured systemic inequalities and incentives that prevent aid from responding to conflict more effectively.

For conflict sensitivity to play a role in shaping an effective and equitable aid system, it must focus on the aid system at large.