Monitoring Policy Making at the United Nations |
| ||||||||||||
Defining NGOs
Also See GPF's Pages on:
Introduction to NGOs
Articles and Documents
2007 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1996 | 1994 | 1986
Global Civil Society 2005/2006
The London School of Economics and Political Sciences has launched the fourth volume of its civil society yearbook. It describes the nature and history of global civil society and includes issue-oriented case studies, important records and data, as well as articles on current issues. See also: Global Civil Society 2004/2005, Global Civil Society 2003, Global Civil Society 2002 and Global Civil Society 2001.
An analysis that provides historical background and emphasizes NGOs' growing contemporary importance, diversity, impact on policy, etc.2007
Somewhere in Between: Conceptualizing Civil Society (December 2007)
This paper describes how scholars from Aristotle to Marx have struggled to define civil society, and concludes that it is a vague concept. The author broadly describes civil society as a social form that harbors diverse interests distinct from, but shaped by, “state” and “market” influence. While some NGOs and citizen groups oppose government and business involvement in their activities, others cooperate closely with such actors. Regardless of their attitude to state and business, the article concludes that civil society creates an area for free public debate. (International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law)Civil Society in an Uncivil World (October 18, 2007)
This Pambazuka article addresses the problems associated with the term "civil society." The author argues that the popular term sounds progressive, but might hide more than it reveals. Some proponents use the term to include regular citizens, NGOs and even large businesses. Depending on the situation, they can alter the meaning of the concept to fit different situations. The author suggests that this might disguise inequalities and marginalization between the different groups within the so-called civil society.2002
All This "Civil Society" Talk Takes us Nowhere (January 5, 2002)
Political and economic interests around the world have adopted the vague term "civil society" for their own ends. NGOs must formulate a more precise definition, to ensure that "the institutions and processes we oppose" do not manipulate campaigns and strategies. (GATT Watch)What is a Non-Governmental Organization? (January 4, 2002)
Professor Peter Willetts of the City University, London asserts in an article for the UNESCO Encyclopedia that the term NGO "carries different connotations in different circumstances." The problems of definition do not overshadow the fact that "collectively, NGOs generate the dynamics of political change."2001
Background Paper on GONGOs and QUANGOs and Wild NGOs (December 2001)
This World Federalist Movement paper provides a broad background on NGOs, focusing on their relationship with the UN, issues of funding, and problems faced by NGOs.2000
Think Again: Civil Society (Winter 1999-2000 edition)
An in-depth analysis of the concept of "civil society", examining its influence on democracy and economic growth while exploring the role NGOs. (Foreign Policy Magazine)
1996
Interacting Fruitfully with Un-Civil Society: The Dilemma for Non-Civil Society Organizations (October 1996)
This article reveals different political "games" played when defining NGOs, Civil Society and the like. (Union of International Associations)The Paradox of Civil Society (1996)
Because the term "civil society" has been applied in many differing circumstances, it raises questions of definition. Beyond this definitional concern, there is the key issue of the relationship between civil society and democratic governance.( Journal of Democracy)1994
NGOs and Civil Society: Some Realities and Distortions - The challenge of "Necessary-to-Governance Organizations" (December 1994)
An analysis of the debate about the nature of NGOs, including its political implications.(Union of International Associations)1986
European Convention on the Recognition of the Legal Personality of International Non-Governmental Organizations (April 24, 1986)
This European convention attempts to define NGOs and give them an international legal status. Unfortunately, as of December 2000, only nine countries have ratified this convention. (Treaty Office of the Council of Europe)
More Information on NGOs
More Introduction to NGOs
