Routledge Barriers to Effective Civil Society Organisations: Political, Social and Financial Shifts (Routledge Explorations in Development Studies)

This book provides an insight into the historical changes and present-day circumstances that have influenced, and continue to influence, the development and future of civil society. Civil society organisations (CSOs) play a crucial role in international development, however their impact on policy and practice is limited by a range of shifts across their political, social and financial landscapes. Barriers to Effective Civil Society Organisations is divided into three parts addressing each of these shifts in turn, and places particular emphasis on civil society actors linked not only by political constraints, but also by ethnic and cultural diversities that are crucial markers of political and social identity. This book draws on case studies from across Latin America, Africa, MENA and Ireland to highlight how CSOs in these countries are shaped by, and react to, shifting challenges. Reflecting on solutions for the sector, the authors provide an understanding of the various ‘self-accommodation’ policies and techniques employed by CSOs in order to continue their services and increase their credibility across global contexts. Aimed at researchers, policy makers and CSO/NGO workers looking to better understand the current state and future of the sector from the perspective of emerging scholars working in these regions, and in the Global South in particular, this innovative book is a celebration of the important work of CSOs and a reaffirmation of their right to sit at the policy table. Review "For the last 4 decades civil society organizations have spear headed many demands, campaigns, and even actual movements for change. Working in such space for change is saturated with internal and external challenges. This edited volume not only efficetively identified these types of channges, but it offers inspiring ways to respond and cope with many of them. The richness of the diverse cases enhance our capacity to possibly learn from the experience of these organization from across the globe." ― Professor Mohammed Abu-Nimer, Ph.D, International Peace and Conflict Resolution, School of International Service, American University "In the contemporary context of a rapidly shifting and unstable geopolitical environment, the role of civic society organisations (CSOs) to confront powerful interests and represent the excluded has never been more important. In this important collection discussing the role of CSOs in responding to these challenges, the various contributors present valuable and unique theoretical and empirical insights into developments across the world that many researchers neglect including Latin America, Africa and Ireland – insights that anyone interested in promoting the social democratic project can learn from". – Professor James Arvanitakis, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Graduate Studies) – on sabbatical, Fulbright Fellow: Milward L. Simpson Visiting Professor, University of Wyoming "This important book, based on case studies from around the world, shows both the influence of Civil Society Organizations its limits. Drawing on rich empirical material it illuminates the strategies they employ, their differential effectiveness and barriers to the accomplishment of their missions. It deserves to widely read by both academics and practitioners." – Pádraig Carmody, Professor in Geography, Trinity College Dublin and Chair of Development Studies Association, Ireland. About the Author Ibrahim Natil is a Lecturer at Dublin City University, Ireland. Vanessa Malila is a researcher at the Humanitarian Academy for Development. She was previously a Research Follow in the School of Journalism and Media Studies at Rhodes University, South Africa. Youcef Sai is an independent researcher with a PhD in Education from Trinity College Dublin.