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Video Dialogue Civil Society: Its Strengths and Weaknesses MIKLOS MARSCHALL REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA mmarschall@transparency.org 26 May 2005. www.transparency.org. The Rise of Civil Society. ”Global associational revolution|” from the 80’s

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transparency

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  1. Video Dialogue Civil Society: Its Strengths and Weaknesses MIKLOS MARSCHALL REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA mmarschall@transparency.org 26 May 2005 www.transparency.org

  2. The Rise of Civil Society • ”Global associational revolution|” from the 80’s • Non-profit sector: worth over a $ 1 trillion a year globally ( Johns Hopkins Center for Civil Society Studies) • From outsiders into insiders • From philanthropy to social change • Policy networks at global, regional and national levels • Transnational advocacy NGOs

  3. What Is Behind the Rise of Civil Society? • End of cold war, collapse of communism • Communication revolution • Crisis of the welfare state • Loss of trust in traditional institutions: churches, trade unions, political parties • Globalization

  4. What Is Civil Society? How Do We Define It? Only multi-dimensional definitions will work Three dimensions • Realm of free, voluntary associations between the household and the state ( Analytical definition) • Good society with tolerance and civility (Normative definition) • Public sphere for citizen participation ( Political definition) Source: Michael Edwards: Civil Society

  5. What Do Civil Society Organizations Do? Marketplace of ideas, concepts, values, services • CSOs can work for their own benefit and for the public benefit. CSOs are • Innovators • Agenda setters • Public opinion mobilizers • Implementers • Monitors, watchdogs

  6. Why Do We Chose CSOs? “Private action for the public good” • Freedom of action • Swiftness • Flexibility • Entrepreneurship • Trustworthiness • Less bureaucratic and costly

  7. Weaknesses and Limits of CSOs • Unclear mandate • Accountability gap • Parochialism • Tunnel vision • “High death rate and short life expectation “ • External vulnerability • Permanent struggle for resources

  8. How to Overcome the Accountability Deficit? • What is accountability? • Accountability mechanisms: • Performance evaluation • Reporting • Accreditation • Certification • Transparency through disclosure

  9. Good Governance in the Civil Society Sector • Governance vs management • Conflict of interest rules • Transparency in the finances

  10. Condititions for a Flourishing Civil Society • Strong legitimate government • Good enabling legal environment • Freedom of Association • Freedom of Information • Tolerance, democratic values, culture and capacity for partnership and compromise

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