New comprehensive, engaging book highlights growing challenges to civil society worldwide
Although civil society organisations have gained considerable influence in many countries around the world, they face major challenges to their autonomy and legitimacy -- reports the new CIVICUS book recently launched called Global Survey of the State of Civil Society (Volume 2): Comparative Perspectives.
Comprising 24 chapters by prominent researchers and civil society practitioners, this comprehensive review of the global state of civil society draws on information collected by the CIVICUS Civil Society Index project in more than 45 countries. It explores civil society’s accountability, its relationship to the state and business, and its role in governance and development. It builds on Volume 1 of the Global Survey which provided concise overviews of civil society in 44 countries around the world.
The CIVICUS Global Survey points to growing threats to civil society’s autonomy, as well as the pressing need for greater transparency, accountability and self-sufficiency within the sector. As civil society organisations gain influence, they run the danger of becoming co-opted by external interests. The book also argues that the legitimacy and accountability of civil society organisations is being increasingly called into question due to accusations of corruption, wasted resources, ineffectiveness and elitism.
The editors call on civil society organisations to:
ake their own accountability seriously
Retain their identity as citizen-driven organisations by putting people first
Demand rights when the state is loading more responsibilities onto their shoulders.
Such actions will ensure that civil society retains its role as a powerful force of positive social change.
What others say about the CIVICUS Global Survey:
“Offers a timely and informative 360-degree view of the current state of citizen action around the world...A very valuable resource for policy-makers and practitioners interested in the critical issue of the role of civil society in governance and development." (Kemal Dervis, Head of UNDP)
“This rich survey is exemplary in the breadth of countries it covers and the depth in which it explores complex issues. This will be an invaluable resource for activists, students and researchers.” (Jude Howell, Director, Centre for Civil Society, LSE)
The CIVICUS Global Survey can be ordered through the Kumarian Press website,
Amazon and most other bookstores.
For further information, see Volume 2 - Table of Contents and Volume 1 - Table of Contents.
For more information on CIVICUS Civil Society Index
please visit www.civilsocietyindex.org
email index@civicus.org
or call Sue Le-Ba at +27 11 833 5959 x141.
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