Probing the past: historical case study analysis to inform more just and sustainable global health partnerships in education

Abstract

Introduction Disparities of power between high-income (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have long characterised the structures of global health, including knowledge production and training. Historical case study analysis is an often-overlooked tool to improve our understanding of how to mitigate inequalities.Methods Drawing from the contemporary experience of collaborators from Canada and Ethiopia, we chose to examine the historical relationship between Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie and Canadian Jesuit Lucien Matte as a case study for international collaborations based on the model of an ‘invited guest’. We used critical historical context and qualitative content analysis methodologies to assess written correspondence between them from the 1940s to the 1970s and drew from postcolonial theory to situate this case study in a broader context.Results The respectful and responsive relationship that developed between Emperor Haile Selassie and Lucien Matte reveals important characteristics needed for meaningful collaborations in global health education. Matte came to Ethiopia fully cognizant of the imperial context of his work and prepared to take on the position of invited guest. As a result, many of both Matte and Haile Selassie’s goals were achieved. At the same time, however, this case study also revealed how problematic constructions of authoritative power can arise even when productive partnerships among individuals occur. Matte and Haile Selassie’s collaboration reinscribed belief in the superiority of western theories of intellectual and social development. In addition, their prescriptive vision for education in Ethiopia repeatedly dismissed competing local positions.Conclusion As international partnerships in global health education continue to exist and form, historical case studies offer valuable insights to guide such work. Among the most crucial arenas of knowledge is the need to understand powerful dynamics that have and continue to shape HIC-LMIC interaction. The historical case study of Matte and Haile Selassie reveals how problematic power differentials can be reinforced or mitigated.