Civil Society

Civil Society Defined: Voluntary organizations outside the State Purpose: Binds people together which cuts across religion, class, ethnicity Is a safeguard through activism which protects against the expansion of State power Teaches and reinforces democratic principles based on interaction, negotiation, consensus and compromise

Interactions with stakeholders

What conditions must be met to create a strong Civil Society?

United Kingdom Open and nearly unfettered by the State (except with terrorism) Groups freely lobby government and parties Unions are still important to the Labour Party

Iran Tolerated, IF they are NOT suspected of being political These groups are mainly organized around mosques and local imams

Mexico Growing civil society (especially with middle class) Urban Reform Movements have had limited success But, have struggled with having influence due to the power of political parties (PRI)

Nigeria Widespread civil society exists (especially with ethnic and religious organizations) Some professional groups have become influential (mainly because their leaders have aligned selves with powerful politicians) Few civil society groups bridge ethnic cleavages

Russia Freer than during USSR, but since 2012 (Putin’s second set of presidency) groups connected with NGO’s and international groups have been prosecuted and persecuted. Lobbying is risky if it is in opposition to government policy

People’s Republic of China Virtually no independent civil society exists Chinese Communist Party tries to control all civics organizations Businesses are an exception, but foreign businesses are required to have official unions and party officials to keep an eye on workers and bosses