From Cooptation to Cooperation and Collaboration in Government—NGO Relations: Toward an Enabling Policy Environment for People-Centred Development in Asia

Abstract

Government and non-governmental organizations in Asia are at a crossroads. The 1980s were marked by the rise of NGOs, especially indigenous organizations, as significant institutional actors and advocates for people-centred development throughout many countries of Asia. At the same time, governments within the region pursued development plans and programmes largely independent of NGO activities. In general, they sought to maintain their dominant position while limiting the nature and forms of NGO participation in the development process.