Civil Society Support Research Articles

МІЖНАРОДНІ ФІНАНСОВІ ОРГАНІЗАЦІЇ: ОСНОВНЕ ДЖЕРЕЛО ФІНАНСОВОЇ ПІДТРИМКИ ІНСТИТУТІВ ГРОМАДЯНСЬКОГО СУСПІЛЬСТВА

The present study analyzes the main trends and aspects of interaction between international financial organizations and civil society organizations. A central issue is financial support civil society organizations (CSOs) by international financial organizations (IFO). Financial sustainability is critically important for CSOs in case if they are going to become self-sustaining and effective organizations. Recently, there has been an increase of interest in studying of CSOs' excessive dependence on international funding as it makes civil society organizations vulnerable to changing donor priorities. In addition, CSOs cannot plan their own activities for the long term perspective. Furthermore, civil society organizations are less involved in the project development process. Over the last decade, CSOs face a number of external and internal problems that threaten their financial sustainability. However, international donors' approaches to partnering with civil society organizations can also indirectly affect the financial sustainability of CSOs. Unfortunately, this trend is due to the fact that financial support from international donors is often limited to capacity building, rather than considering structural changes or partnership approaches. The author, on the basis of statistical information and studies of international organizations, analyzed the financing mechanisms of civil society organizations by the World Bank Group. The article also examines the sectoral structure of projects and the regional structure of partners within the framework of the Global Partnership for Social Accountability (GPSA) as a fundamental financial mechanism of the World Bank. However, few investigations have focused on study the relationship between civil society organizations and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. In this paper, we summarized the practical experience of financing civil society organizations by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The author identified the main trends and regularities of the Facilitating Financial Sustainability program.

Civil society, insecurity and Arab support for normalization with Israel: Contextualizing the Abraham Accords

ABSTRACT Extant literature suggests that public support for peace accords plays a role in their durability. Yet while the Abraham Accords represent significant rapprochement between governments, the region is marked by the conditions of violence and insecurity that harm social trust and reduce the likelihood of conciliatory views among citizens. Using Arab Barometer data from twelve countries (2012–2014), I explore the factors that lead Arab citizens to be more supportive of normalization. I argue that while instability undermines the demand for peace, civil society engagement develops bonding and bridging social capital that supports conciliatory views. I find that perceived insecurity is negatively related to support for Arab-Israeli peace, yet greater social capital, in the form of tolerance, associational membership, and social media use, produced demand for peace. Country of residence and religious identity are important predictors, with Sunni and Shi’a Muslims being less conciliatory towards Israel than Christians. Contrary to assumptions underlying US foreign policy, participating in politics by voting in democratic or authoritarian elections or protesting were related to lower demand for peace. By illustrating the role that civil society and perceived security play, the results have implications for scholars of security studies and policymakers working to support peacemaking.

Civil society's role in the Sustainable Development Goals: an analysis of Brazilian political identity and it's behavior towards supporting a global agenda

The Sustainable Development Goals, signed in 2015 by all UN member states, are based on the protection of human rights, the reduction of inequalities, the fight against poverty and the protection of the environment. These goals are an non-legally binding agreement that there are no international laws obliging states to comply - therefore, the pathway that the UN suggests is that the goals should be implemented through joint action with various actors, including non-state actors. The importance of non-state actors is to monitor, hold states accountable, promote transparency in the process and ensure that the goals are implemented. Thus, the lack of support from the states themselves for civil society endangers the implementation of the global agenda. In this article, I argue using social-constructivism's theory that the state support for civil society is directly linked to the identity of the high-ranking government. To this purpose, the Brazilian case that went through elections that shifted it's political identity after the signing of the agreement will be presented and how each government, with its political identities, behaved regarding supporting civil society in carrying out the SDG 2030.

Civil-Military Cooperation: Integrated Logistics in Response to the COVID-19 Crisis

Background: This article addresses the civil-military cooperation in response to the COVID-19 crisis. In early 2021, the number of daily infections and the growing number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Portugal were dramatic, reaching the highest rates in the world. In response, the Armed Forces were engaged and played a significant role in helping the National Health Service (NHS). The NHS is just one of many existing examples which demonstrate the relevance of logistical support from the Armed Forces so that civil institutions can return to a sustainable and autonomous situation. Methods: In order to understand and describe this real-life phenomenon, a qualitative and exploratory case study was conducted. Several sources of data collection were used for triangulation and corroboration. Results: The results suggest that, in emergency situations, logistical operations of the Armed Forces in support of civil society are divided into four major areas: planning and organizational activities; priority setting; combat service support; and training and self-reliance. Conclusions: Once the four areas of action of the Armed Forces were identified, the response to the COVID-19 crisis became more evident, as civil entities were able to make requests suited to military capabilities.

ШЛЯХИ УДОСКОНАЛЕННЯ АДМІНІСТРАТИВНОГО ЗАКОНОДАВСТВА В ЧАСТИНІ ОПТИМІЗАЦІЇ ПРОЦЕДУР ВЗАЄМОДІЇ ДЕРЖАВНИХ ОРГАНІВ ТА ІНСТИТУТІВ ГРОМАДЯНСЬКОГО СУСПІЛЬСТВА

It is concluded that the current administrative legislation of Ukraine, which regulates the activities of CSOs and the procedure for their interaction with public authorities on the range of issues subject to its application, is quite diverse and generally pays due attention to effective communication between participants in public relations. At the same time, the content of most regulations needs to be improved and optimized, given the current realities of building civil society in our country, the introduction of new forms and methods of non-governmental organizations, increasing public activity in state-building processes. The need to complete the review and approve the new National Strategy for Civil Society Development of Ukraine for 2021-2026 as soon as possible, which should become a guide for all stakeholders and formulate new tasks for the state and citizens on quality joint activities to reform and develop public policy. It is established that in terms of improving the role of state institutions in the interaction and support of civil society it is necessary to impose the obligation to promote the development of civil society on the Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on the organization of state power, local government, regional development and urban planning. as the main coordinator of the implementation of the Civil Society Development Strategy. It was concluded that the Rules of Procedure of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine should be supplemented with a list of draft laws that should be subject to appropriate public discussion. The list of issues regulated by such projects may be agreed with the content of the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine "On ensuring public participation in the formation and implementation of public policy", and information on the results of such discussions must be attached to the bill.

Political foundations of state support for civil society: analysis of the distribution of presidential grants in Russia

ABSTRACT We argue that limited authoritarian regimes like Putin’s Russia have to work out a delicate balance between suppressing civil society and buying its loyalty by allocating funds to the organizations willing to cooperate with the regime. Using the data on the distribution of presidential grants among civil society organizations working on human rights projects in 2017–2018, we show that organizations whose leaders take part in consultative bodies and pro-governmental organizations such as the All-Russian People’s Front receive larger amounts of money on average. Organizations with links to the parliamentary parties also have some premium in grant disbursement, while affiliation with the ruling party does not increase the amount of funding. These findings imply some degree of political bias in state funding for the third sector in Russia. We also found that professionalism matters, and seasoned civil society organizations have considerably more funding than less experienced organizations in the field.

How can health promotion contribute to pulling humans back from the brink of disaster?

Health promotion has evolved over the last decades from a primary focus on behaviour change to establishing an ambitious goal of creating healthy, fair and sustainable environments in a manner which realises the rights of all people to health and well-being while protecting the health of our planet and its ecosystems. This paper argues that in order to contribute to this ambitious goal, health promotion must address three key tasks. The first is the need to take planetary health more seriously and move away from reductionist thinking to an approach that sees the planet as a complex system and values more harmony with nature, protects biodiversity and prevents global warming. The second task is to advocate and support governments to govern for health. The key to doing this is putting health and equity before profit, creating healthy urban environments, encouraging participatory decision-making, advocating for healthy economic models and assessing the ways in which corporate determinants of health operate. The third task is to ensure that moves to professionalise health promotion do not come at the expense of health promotion advocacy to powerful people and organisations. Health promotion is well placed to support civil society movements arguing for social and economic change that will benefit health such as the Black Lives Matter and environment movements.

EU dialogue with Russian society: A reality check

Engagement with Russian civil society is the least contested part of the EU’s current and expected future approach to Russia. There is broad agreement on the need to conduct a dialogue with Russian citizens and to facilitate people-to-people contacts, as well as to support civil society as such. However, this general goal is not fully matched by a clear understanding of what the basic features and sentiments of Russian society are today. This article seeks to sketch an unvarnished picture of Russian society, knowledge of which is essential for the effective design and successful conduct of any engagement activities (their formats, channels of communication and content). The key problems include the lack of enthusiasm among ordinary Russians for the European project, and their growing confusion—fuelled by authoritarian control and disinformation—about European institutions and norms.

Democracy promotion under populist rule? The case of Poland’s democracy aid in Ukraine

The credibility of democracy promotion provided by countries experiencing democratic backsliding has raised many doubts lately. The goal of this exploratory paper is to examine Poland’s efforts to promote democracy through foreign aid in Ukraine. I find that after winning the elections in 2015, the populist government in Poland started to transform democracy aid both at the level of development cooperation policy and in practice in Ukraine, one of the biggest beneficiaries of Polish aid. Rather than explicitly questioning or limiting aid as an instrument of democracy promotion, support for civil society and human rights has been reduced, and the involvement of Polish NGOs, especially those strongly committed to transferring democratic values abroad, declined. Such changes are perceived as another layer of Poland’s democratic backsliding rooted in the anti-pluralism of the Law and Justice party. Thus, this paper enriches the debate on populism by showing the latter’s effects on democracy promotion.

Community Resilience in Belarus and the EU response

Community Resilience in Belarus and the EU response

Enhancing the effectiveness of Branding and Packaging Design For supporting civil society during the covid-19 pandemic

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) include community-based organizations as well as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), do not include business or for-profit associations. As the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe, CSOs have a significant role for providing frontline help and defending the rights of people across the world. There are significant corruption risks during times of crisis. Civil society has an important role to play in ensuring funds to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic reach their destination.it has reshaped the megatrends buffeting the $900 billion-a-year packaging industry. Therefore, this paper aimed to increase awareness to support civil society by applying innovative marketing methods such as changing the visual identity of the institution in order to support the principle of social distancing. In addition to, Providing treatment to Corona patients by sending packaging that also supports the principle of social distancing through the innovative packaging to help the state's efforts in facing the Corona crisis.. The level of consumers' knowledge of the concept and role of civil society organizations During the covid-19 pandemic was evaluated by using a questionnaire was prepared in Google Forms, comprising 11 questions five of this questions on a five-point Likert scale, ranging from strongly disagree (1) to strongly agree (5). Finally, this study shows the responses of target group on aspects of role of civil society organizations, the branding and packaging role during the Covid-19 pandemic, growth of online shopping, and the most important initiatives by civil society organizations during the corona virus pandemic. From this point, we start with the practical study by presenting proposals for different marketing tools to support the role of civil society organizations during crises

INTRAC’s analytical skills programme in Central Asia 2002–2015: an analysis of its aims, methodology, and results

ABSTRACT The article describes the genesis and application of a training programme for analytical and research skills for NGOs in the ex-soviet republics of Central Asia. This modular course was used in different programme contexts (civil society support, poverty reduction, conflict resolution) in a fast changing external environment. The article presents the aims, methodology, types of participants, and local research studies produced. It discusses the challenges in encouraging open-ended analysis while at the same time focusing on realistic action research studies, and how the programme supported a community of practice and small advocacy projects to lobby and disseminate results.

New Technology Tools and Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) Applied to a Sustainable Livestock Production

Abstract Agriculture 4.0, a combination of mechanical innovation and information and communication technologies (ICT) using precision farming, omics technologies and advanced waste treatment techniques, can be used to enhance the biological potential of animal and crop productions and reduce livestock gaseous emissions. In addition to animal proteins being excellent nutritional ingredients for the human diet, there is a growing concern regarding the amount of energy spent converting vegetable crops into animal protein and the relevant environmental impacts. Using the value chain analysis derived from the neoclassic production theory extended to industrial processing and the market, the hypothesis to be tested concerns the sustainability and convenience of different protein sources. The methodology implies the use of life cycle analysis (LCA) to evaluate the efficiency of different livestock diet ingredients. The use of feeding products depend upon various factors, including cost reduction, consumer acceptance, incumbent industry response, civil society support, policy consensus, lower depletion of natural resources, improved sustainable agri-food supply chain and LCA. EU policy makers should be aware of these changes in livestock and market chains and act proactively to encourage the use of alternative animal proteins.

PRYDNIPROVSKA STATE ACADEMY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE ON THE WAY OF MODERNIZATION AND TRANSFORMATION INTO “GREEN” UNIVERSITY

Formulation of the problem. Prydniprovska State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture is a recognized educational and scientific center in the field of architecture and construction, which has outstanding traditions and achievements, realizes its mission in ensuring innovative development of Ukraine through infrastructure projects and programs, creation of fixed assets, housing and public construction. In 2020 Prydniprovska State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture celebrated its 90th anniversary. However, higher engineering and construction education in Yekaterinoslav − Dnipropetrovsk − Dnipro has more than 100 years: Yekaterinoslav Polytechnic Institute (1916−1921); Yekaterinoslav Evening Workers' Construction Technical School (1921−1930); Dnipropetrovsk Construction Institute (DCI, 1930−1935); Dnipropetrovsk Civil Engineering Institute (DCEI, 1935-1994); Prydniprovska State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture (PSACEA since 1994). The history of PSACEA is inextricably linked with the historical events in the country, as well as with the personalities - the rectors who headed the institution and directed its activities. The 30−60's – are the years of formation of the institution due to the hard work of DCI-DCEI and their leaders. In 1964, Reznichenko P.T. was appointed Rector of DCEI. The years of his leadership of the university (1964−1987) can be called the years of development during which the construction of infrastructure facilities was carried out – educational buildings, dormitories, swimming pool, scientific landfill and much more. Rector Bolshakov V.I., who headed DCEI − PSACEA for 31 years (from 1987 to 2018) is associated with the formation of PSACEA as a powerful scientific center of construction science. New socio-economic conditions require the modernization of all areas of PSACEA. The purpose of the article is to explore the ways of transformation of PSACEA into a center of modern architecture, science and technology, a green university. Conclusions. Further development of PSACEA should take place through the application and dissemination through engineering and research creative work of new knowledge, techniques and technologies, education of the younger generation in the spirit of humanism, promoting education, science and production with the support of government and civil society. The strategic goal of the academy is to become the leading architectural and construction university of Ukraine of European level of innovative type due to integration into the international scientific and educational space, preservation and development of traditions and achievements of DCEI−PSACEA school, creative application of world heritage in basic and applied research; to transform the academy into a “green” University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, the activities of which are based on the principles of sustainable development

PENGEMBANGAN KONSEP OPEN GOVERMENT UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KUALITAS LAYANAN KOTA PALEMBANG (STUDI KASUS : KOTA PALEMBANG)

Open Government is committed to improving the quality of information availability on government activities, supporting civil society participation in government, upholding professional standards in public administration to prevent corruption, abuse of power and increasing access to the use of new technologies to support accountability and openness. Currently, many governments have implemented e-government which supports the government's goals in open government. Where, e-government is used to describe the use of technology in carrying out several government tasks. The city government of Palembang has several applications or e-government systems that are open government. The city government of Palembang has not made a quality measurement of the e-government that has been implemented, so it is not known the level of quality in each application or system implemented. Based on this explanation, it is necessary to analyze the level of service quality in the system that has been implemented by the Palembang City Government.

The African Allegations towards Ignorance of International Criminal Court: Does International Criminal Court unfairly focusing on Africa?

Though, African continent has the highest number of state parties to the Rome Statute, recently several criticisms and allegations have been leveled against ICC interventions in Africa. AU and African higher official apparently call for non-cooperation of ICC. They believed that, ICC is unfairly targeting Africa and Africans, and it is a neo-colonial plaything and that Africa has been a place to experiment with their ideas. Such allegation begs question that is really the ICC unfairly focusing Africa and Africans? Therefore, it needs evaluating these accusations by considering the whole process and function of ICC. Accordingly, when we evaluate the allegations, it seems too far from trues. Because, on one hand, many of allegation and criticism itself is not representative of African peoples rather it is the allegation of some African political leaders of authoritarian nature of power those who fears the prosecution for the commission of mass crime and atrocities in their respective countries. On other hand the composition of the court by itself is Africans. It is a global court with historically strong African support. It would not be the court it is today without the valuable input, involvement and support of the majority of African states. The court seeks justice for victims of grave crimes, including African victims; it needs the ongoing support of African government, civil society and public in order to achieve justice. It was intended to be a credible, independent judicial body, able to adjudicate the most serious of international crimes fairly and impartially, where National judicial systems have failed and fight against impunity all over the world.

Sense-making Analysis: A Framework for Multi-Strategy and Cross-Country Research

While sense-making is a frequently used concept in everyday discourse and in several social science research areas, discussions about how the concept translates into methodology are currently scarce. This paper introduces a framework for analyzing how actors in different cultural contexts make sense of global concepts. By this we refer to expressions that are used and expected to find a common ground worldwide, yet are equivocal in their multiple meanings and connotations. The paper discusses methodological considerations of such a sense-making analysis. The paper cites examples from a mixed-methods, cross-country, sense-making analysis of societal transformations toward sustainability—a concept promoted by the United Nations 2030 Agenda. We identify three steps in a comprehensive sense-making analysis: 1) mapping relevant societal arenas for sense-making; 2) vertical analyses; and 3) horizontal analyses. We outline how different datasets can be approached vertically, focusing on the use of framing, metaphors, categorizations, and stories. This forms the basis for the horizontal analysis of societal narratives and recurrent themes across the different data sources. By presenting comprehensive vertical and horizontal analyses, researchers and state and non-state actors can gain insight into the broader varieties of sense-making that can enrich scientific analysis, enhance transparency and effectiveness in international relations, and support transnational governance and civil society collaborations.

Considerations regarding the sources of corruption

Corruption is a threat to democracy, the rule of law, social equity and justice, erodes the principles of efficient administration, undermines the market economy and endangers the stability of state institutions. Therefore, the fight against this phenomenon must be carried out by the legally authorized authorities, with the support of civil society, without any obstruction, so that no one is perceived as being above the law. In this context, the prevention of acts and facts of corruption, by monitoring conflicts of interests and incompatibilities, as well as by controlling the assets acquired illegally, must be the support of any strategy in this field. Adopting adequate measures to prevent the "corruption" phenomenon requires knowing its real size, its complexity, the trigger mechanisms and the consequences produced. The complexity and the continued diversification of the forms of manifestation of this phenomenon, together with the tendencies of globalization, require the design and elaboration of appropriate strategies, which scientifically and systematically approach the criminogenic sources and the effects of the crime and offer the effective tools for social prevention and control. The phenomenon of "corruption" is generated by ideologies, norms, individuals and groups with antisocial behavior, institutions and organizations.

Organised Crime Governance in Times of Pandemic: The Impact of COVID‐19 on Gangs and Drug Cartels in Colombia and Mexico

The COVID‐19 crisis provides a window of opportunity for organised crime organisations in Colombia and Mexico to exert social control in local communities through actions of solidarity and care rather than traditional violent coercion. This new dynamic is increasing the legitimacy, power and social capital of gangs and drug cartels, helping them to co‐opt civil society and the state to support their criminal operations. The pandemic also shows how poverty and inequality remain fundamental in shaping the building of the nation‐state in both countries, where criminals act as a de facto state even without the virus and, in many areas, effectively replace the state. The coronavirus is making visible the ways in which organised crime groups cultivate civil society's support in delivering the provision of governance, order and public health in a time of lockdown and quarantine, making local ‘narco‐gang’ governance profitable economically and politically.

Progress or regression? Institutional evolutions of community‐based conservation in eastern and southern Africa

AbstractEastern and southern Africa has been a key laboratory for community‐based approaches to conservation for over three decades. During the 1990s, field‐level initiatives and national policy reforms across the region put it at the forefront of global experiments with community‐based conservation. Community‐based conservation, in theory and practice, is closely tied to institutional reforms that devolve rights over wildlife and natural resources to local communities. As such, these efforts have frequently encountered political‐economic and institutional barriers that limited their impact. This contributed to a rising sense of rollback and recentralization of community conservation approaches during the 2000s. Since then, community‐based conservation has expanded its scope considerably in some countries, notably Kenya and Namibia, primarily as a result of relatively supportive legal and policy provisions coupled with sustained government, civil society, and private sector support. At a wider scale, sufficient devolution of rights over wildlife and natural resources has been a chronic constraint, but community‐based initiatives have still managed to persist, adapt, and deliver some evidence of positive ecological and social impacts in Zambia, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Three key overarching trends across the region are (a) the significant growth and expansion of community‐based conservation where key institutional enabling conditions exist; (b) pervasive institutional limitations on community rights over wildlife and other valuable natural resources, which continue to constrain and undermine community‐based approaches; and (c) local entrepreneurship and resilience that continues to create new opportunities for community‐based approaches, even under adverse conditions.