Not Ready for Democracy

Author(s):  
Tarek Masoud

Comparing Egypt and Tunisia, Tarek Masoud argues that the distinctive make-ups and strengths of civil society in those two countries explain why their transitions took different paths. He dismisses previous arguments about the role of the army or the democratic commitment of politicians, arguing instead that Tunisian civil society was stronger and had a less pronounced religious coloration than Egypt’s, with the result that its secular politicians could easily acquire a substantial political base, leading to more balanced electoral results. As no single party or camp had hegemony, leading politicians were forced to make the necessary political compromises. Masoud then builds on this conclusion to suggest a more structural argument: that the greater economic development, industrialization and urbanization of Tunisia explains why its civil society had those specific features that Egypt’s lacked.

2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 219-227
Author(s):  
А.K. Atzhan ◽  

The article is devoted to the study of methodological issues related to the current state of functioning of civil society. In this vein, the author analyzed current trends in the development of global civil society on the example of such a union of people as the institution of entrepreneurship in the context of implementing the concept of sustainable development. It is proved that the role of sustainable economic development is necessary for the health and longevity of any civil society. This requires a symbiotic relationship between the economic and social component of the functioning of civil society.


2017 ◽  
pp. 183-198
Author(s):  
I. Nedoshytko

The article attempts to analyze the participation of the Ukrainian diaspora in the development of the Ukrainian state during the period of 1991-2016. The author emphasizes the importance of diaspora in formation of Ukrainian legislation, democratization of Ukrainian state, sharing the experience of building civil society. The article outlines the role of diaspora in the formation of the international image of Ukraine. The help of the Ukrainian diaspora of the USA in the development of medicine of independent Ukraine was found out and analyzed. The priority areas of cooperation of Chornobyl Children Fund with our state in this sphere are defined. Contribution of the Ukrainian diaspora of the USA in the economic development of independent Ukraine is examined and clarified.  Unused potential for cooperation, factors that hinder effective cooperation with the Ukrainian state in this area are determined. The basic directions of humanitarian cooperation of diaspora with the Ukrainian state are exposed.


2008 ◽  
pp. 96-107
Author(s):  
Yu. Pavlenko

The article is aimed at providing arguments in favor of the vital role of civil society in the institutional infrastructure of socio-economic development. Civil society is explored both as a social phenomenon and as a theoretical concept. Civilization-based and formation-based characteristics underlying forms and contents of civil society in different countries are highlighted. Some conclusions regarding the future prospects of civil society development in Russia and around the world are suggested.


Afrika Focus ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 19 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 5-42
Author(s):  
Thomas Vervisch

Civil Society in Africa: A 'new' partner in an 'old' system? Since the 1990s, there has been a growing consensus in the international development community about the role of civil society as a relevant partner in economic development and political change all over the world. This article places this debate in the context of state-society relations in Sub-Sahara-Africa. As will become clear, the international consensus is based on one specific and highly normative interpretation of this relation between state and civil society. This consensus defines civil society as an independent actor vis-à-vis the state, capable of championing democratic and governance reforms. Our own argument starts from the assumption that this interpretation ignores the complex interrelatedness of state and civil society in African societies. As such, we propose a theoretical framework that recognizes a plurality of different state-society relations and also pays attention to informal as well as formal relations between state and civil society. By doing so, we question the international consensus about the role civil society can play in Sub-Sahara-Africa.


Afrika Focus ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Vervisch

Since the 1990s, there has been a growing consensus in the international development community about the role of civil society as a relevant partner in economic development and political change all over the world. This article places this debate in the context of state-society relations in Sub-Sahara-Africa. As will become clear, the international consensus is based on one specific and highly normative interpretation of this relation between state and civil society. This consensus defines civil society as an independent actor vis-à-vis the state, capable of championing democratic and governance reforms. Our own argument starts from the assumption that this interpretation ignores the complex interrelatedness of state and civil society in African societies. As such, we propose a theoretical framework that recognizes a plurality of different state-society relations and also pays attention to informal as well as formal relations between state and civil society. By doing so, we question the international consensus about the role civil society can play in Sub-Sahara-Africa.Key Words: Civil Society, State-Society Relations, Sub-Sahara-Africa


2005 ◽  
pp. 28-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Auzan ◽  
V. Tambovtsev

The paper is devoted to the analysis of civil society's positive influence on any country's economic development. In addition to well-known arguments, at least two extra mechanisms exist: civil society organizations produce goods that other organizations (business and public) don't; civil society organizations increase the bargaining power of citizens in their interaction with business and state and enhance the resource allocation efficiency.


2000 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-37
Author(s):  
M. Habib Chirzin

This article describes the evolution of Indonesia's voluntary sector andthe role of nongovernmental and private voluntary organizations in thedevelopment of Indonesia's civil society. The paper describes howNGOs and PYOs complement and supplement the role of governmentin the social and economic development of the society. It also discusseshow these organizations manage their responsibility in challengingthe government while often remaining financially dependent on thegovernment for their existence. The paper also advances discussionsabout the organizational theory of voluntary organizations and theirparticular development in Indonesia.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 89-96
Author(s):  
Maurice Ayuketang Nso

Change is a fundamental human right. Without apparent change, nations struggle to advance economically. Change for peace to prevail is a contemplated philosophy from reality when sectors that stir peace are misaligned. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are the relevant third sector, yet the treatment of civil society by the first sector - the public sector - is indifferent. This study justifies civil society role in promoting peace and economic development. Counting diplomatic missions and multilateral agencies part in stirring peace and development, it recommends, collaborative, harmonious exchanges and relationships within the three sectors – public, private and the civil society – for the sake of proper peace and economic development for the wellbeing of citizens and nations. The study examined 41 individuals with familiarities in civil society were sampled. One-Way ANOVA technique was employed to test the hypotheses. The test results show significant associations between: economic advancement and peace; and CSOs actions in peace promotion and economic enhancement.


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