summarize In his subsequent response letter, Shiffman (2015) synthesizes key elements of some of the nine commentaries to make three suggestions about how we might better understand the exercise of epistemic and normative power in global health. Shiffman suggests we should acknowledge that: (1) global health is not and cannot be entirely rational; power struggles and political processes to resolve normative questions, such as those related to equity, are intrinsic to the endeavour; (2) global health may be considered a 'field' (a concept from Bourdieu), whereby actors employ various tactics and resources to advance their preferences and interests and, (3) inclusive, transparent and fair processes that engage those whose lives are affected by policies are an important way to address the global health legitimacy and knowledge 'deficit' (Shiffman, 2015)