ABSTRACT
Two conceptualizations of pathways to moderating power asymmetries in humanitarian practice have emerged in localization discourse—one emphasizing procedural reforms and the other highlighting relational transformation. Dominant Global North-mediated localization frameworks emphasize procedural approaches with a focus on shifting to a direct-to-local funding model, albeit with a growing understanding of the importance of relationships. This article draws upon a grounded theory study of the Thai–Myanmar border humanitarian response to understand locally-identified drivers of empowerment in current practice. Findings reveal that local organizations in this context currently look most to relatively locally-empowering relational practices exercised by select intermediary partners for opportunities to exercise agency and leadership. Insights from this study suggest that relational transformation should be positioned as the fundamental starting point for actualizing localization. At an epistemic level, this study strengthens scholarly calls to re-conceive assumptions underpinning localization discourse through foregrounding local practitioner understandings and priorities.