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What the hell is civil society?
What the hell is civil society?
Neera Chandhoke
17 - 3 - 2005
Source: Open Democracy
As popular movements sweep much of the world, the term civil society can be heard on many lips. Michael Edwards of the Ford Foundation has written a short book on the three meanings of the concept. Neera Chandhoke, from New Delhi, casts a sceptical eye over his argument.
If globalisation has one body at its head it is the World Trade Organisation (WTO). In 2004, on its tenth anniversary, the WTO published a major report on its record and prospects, written by an influential committee chaired by Peter Sutherland (who created the WTO in 1994, and now chairs BP).
In looking forward to how the WTO should seek to shape its next decade, the report does not shirk contentious issues. The chapter on Sovereignty advises nation-states on the best way to share sovereignty for mutual benefit; another chapter, entitled Transparency and dialogue with civil society, examines the impact of what the authors call the global associational revolution.
The authors consider the rise and influence of civil society to be irreversible. They advise the WTO on how best to engage with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), raise its own transparency and negotiate with non-state actors, at the same time dealing with their criticisms. (...)
Continue reading: Open Democracy
http://www.opendemocracy.net/debates/article-3-122-2375.jsp
Neera Chandhoke
17 - 3 - 2005
Source: Open Democracy
As popular movements sweep much of the world, the term civil society can be heard on many lips. Michael Edwards of the Ford Foundation has written a short book on the three meanings of the concept. Neera Chandhoke, from New Delhi, casts a sceptical eye over his argument.
If globalisation has one body at its head it is the World Trade Organisation (WTO). In 2004, on its tenth anniversary, the WTO published a major report on its record and prospects, written by an influential committee chaired by Peter Sutherland (who created the WTO in 1994, and now chairs BP).
In looking forward to how the WTO should seek to shape its next decade, the report does not shirk contentious issues. The chapter on Sovereignty advises nation-states on the best way to share sovereignty for mutual benefit; another chapter, entitled Transparency and dialogue with civil society, examines the impact of what the authors call the global associational revolution.
The authors consider the rise and influence of civil society to be irreversible. They advise the WTO on how best to engage with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), raise its own transparency and negotiate with non-state actors, at the same time dealing with their criticisms. (...)
Continue reading: Open Democracy
http://www.opendemocracy.net/debates/article-3-122-2375.jsp
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