Role Of Civil Society Research Articles

Fertile grounds: Co-creating agroecological knowledge in a pluriverse

How can civil society support community-based organizing that puts ways of knowing and being at the heart of food systems change? Drawing upon a collaboration between 2 nonprofit organizations and a community-based network of rural women across Bangladesh, this essay explores frictions and contradictions that trouble our efforts to co-create knowledge for agroecological transformations. Rather than suggesting these troubles can be resolved, we attempt to stay with them in this article, locating them as vital disruptions to the hegemonic order of one-world-making. Using personal vignettes as framing devices, we combine critical analysis, art, and poetry to explore working with and within a plurality of ways of knowing and being. With a vignette about soil, we begin with unsettling questions about what constitutes knowledge in a world where constructs of truth and belief rub up against each other. We then tension this in the context of agroecological markets and social justice activism as these intersect with different notions of relationality. We pursue this further by introducing a narrative-framing tool called a “value web” which mobilizes both material and immaterial domains of agroecology. Finally, we conclude by examining the role of international civil society in food system transformation and raising fundamental questions of allyship which help us navigate the constitutive contradictions of knowledge co-creation.

Low-Income Homeownership and Safety Nets: The Role of Radical Community Practices

ABSTRACT Nonprofit networks that oversee housing accessibility within urban neighbourhoods emerge as crucial arenas for inducing transformative shifts in policy and practice in the United States. However, civil society actors are subject to considerable critique in the discourse on radical planning theory. They are often alleged to be hand in glove with state and market actors in enabling displacement and dispossession of marginalised groups. This study challenges some of these entrenched positions and provides important counter-narratives on the transformative roles of civil society. Delving into the roles of various institutions that facilitate low-income homeownership, community building, and neighbourhood stabilisation, the study reveals that civil society actors present opportunities for subaltern expression, disruptive activism, and structural transformation in power relationalities. Their strategies respond to wealth-building pathways through housing and address intersectional challenges related to identity, citizenship, and access, thus reaffirming their transformative potential in the urban planning discourse.

Democratically digging together: A study of archaeology and civil society

Protecting archaeological sites increases the sense of belonging among the population. Political culture in authoritarian countries limits citizens’ opportunities for freedom of action and civic engagement. The authorities may perceive such engagement as a threat to the regime. Nevertheless, civic activism in protecting archaeological sites can provide an opportunity to increase the role of civil society in policymaking. This article interrogates civil society’s role concerning archaeology and its preservation in Kazakhstan. It considers three cases of how local communities participate in archaeological projects and their protection. It concludes that the degree of community involvement and the number of people involved in rural and urban settings differ. Kazakhstan occasionally manifests vigorous civic activity on archaeological issues at the national level. However, a certain level of resistance may demonstrate the potential for democratic development, with archaeology as one of the practical tools of civil liberty at the grassroot level.

Targeted Sanctions as a Pathway to Accountability

Abstract The growth of ‘Magnitsky-style’ targeted sanctions has ushered in a new chapter in the history of sanctions practice that places civil society actors in an increasingly empowered position. The development of new legal and policy frameworks in several jurisdictions, led by the USA, has formalized an active role for civil society in governments’ sanction designation processes. By creating a legal framework for civil society engagement, the US Magnitsky laws enshrined the importance of civil society as a source of evidence on human rights and corruption issues into law. This article draws on the experience and observations of, and interviews with, sanctions practitioners who have witnessed the increasing role that civil society is taking in Magnitsky-style sanctions. The article begins by asking why civil society engages with targeted sanctions, before examining the legal and policy frameworks through which civil society actors engage with governments. It looks at five jurisdictions where civil society is taking an active role, the USA, UK, European Union, Canada, and Australia. The article describes the emergence of ‘sanctions clearing houses’ — organizations that act as intermediaries between global civil society and the governments with which they are trying to engage. The article considers present civil society perspectives on current barriers to engagement with sanctions regimes and concludes by emphasizing the importance of civil society engagement in this area, providing recommendations to foster this engagement.

An urban rivers renaissance? Stream restoration and green–blue infrastructure in Latin America – Insights from urban planning in Colombia

AbstractWhile urban river restoration has become mainstream in the Global North, it remains scarce in Latin America, where most literature focuses on water quality, stream habitats, and watershed assessment, but planning and implementation lag behind. Colombia is undergoing a paradigm shift after pioneering the integration of green and blue infrastructure (GBI) into urban planning in the early 2000s (namely Estructura Ecológica Principal). A surge in river renaturalization initiatives is underway, with large and intermediate cities planning and executing projects. We systematically assessed the integration of rivers and GBI into local policies (Planes de Ordenamiento Territorial) and found widespread and strong recognition of streams, wetlands, and ecosystem services in urban planning, higher than previously reported. Most cities emphasize river multifunctionality, ecological connectivity, public space, and recreation, as well as disaster risk reduction, advancing toward sustainable urban water and drainage systems. However, significant gaps persist regarding climate change resilience, participation, and social justice. In a region marked by high inequality, pre-existing spatial exclusion could be amplified by urban renewal, greening, and tourism due to unfair resettlement conditions and gentrification. Such trade-offs can undermine the ecological and social benefits of restoration. We highlight the crucial role of civil society and grassroots activism in protecting and defending urban commons and conclude by recommending a critical examination of GBI and river restoration efforts in Latin America. Colombia’s case can serve as both a reference and a cautionary tale for other cities in the region to achieve outcomes that promote equity and justice amid pressing social and environmental challenges.

STATE AND PROSPECTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC DIPLOMACY IN UKRAINE DURING THE LARGE-SCALE RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN WAR

The article examines approaches to understanding public diplomacy and the potential of «soft power». A brief overview of modern types of public diplomacy, in particular cultural and digital, is given, and the peculiarities of cultural diplomacy are revealed. The article highlights that in modern political science, several approaches to the study of public diplomacy and its components can be distinguished. They are due to the emergence of the concepts of «soft power», «smart power», «national branding», as well as the close interdisciplinary interaction of public diplomacy, political science, sociology, marketing, public relations and information technologies.It is noted that currently a lot of attention is paid to the use of public diplomacy in the implementation of foreign policy programs of the countries of the world, which is connected with the strengthening of the role of civil society: residents of different countries receive more tools to influence the institutions of power both in their country and abroad. Communication channels (both new and traditional) are gaining more and more importance, changing the formats and methods of working with the population of foreign countries. The increase in the number of military conflicts inevitably forces interested states to look for new forms of influence on the foreign public and to review current programs in the field of diplomacy.The problems of public diplomacy of Ukraine, the relationship between the concepts of «public diplomacy» and «propaganda» are considered.The current state of public diplomacy, as well as the peculiarities of its implementation during the Russian-Ukrainian war, are studied. Emphasis is placed on the conditions under which public diplomacy in Ukraine has to be implemented at the present time. It was noted that in the conditions of Russian aggression, public diplomacy of Ukraine became a profitable direction of conducting foreign policy thanks to the third wave of globalization, as a result of which the society finally moved from an industrial to an informational state. The main vectors of the development of public diplomacy of Ukraine are considered.

The Role Of Civil Society In Sustainable Agrarian Policy Advocacy

Agrarian problems in Indonesia are still complex and have not been resolved completely. Inequality of land tenure, agrarian conflicts, environmental degradation, and land conversion are some examples of problems that continue to occur. In the midst of this situation, the role of civil society becomes important in fighting for sustainable agrarian policies. This research aims to analyze the role of civil society in agrarian policy advocacy in Indonesia. This research adopts a qualitative research method. Data collection is done through literature study. After the data is collected, the analysis is carried out in three stages, namely reducing data, presenting data, and drawing conclusions. The results show that the role of civil society in sustainable agrarian policy advocacy is very important in ensuring social justice, environmental protection, and strengthening the rights of farmers or indigenous peoples related to land. Civil society, through non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and activist networks, acts as a watchdog and critic of agrarian policies issued by the government. In addition, civil society also plays a role in providing education and understanding to local communities about their rights related to land, as well as mobilizing public support to strengthen their demands for equitable agrarian policies.

Comprehending Manipulative Tactics In Elections

General elections (Pemilu) are a strong foundation of democracy, but are often affected by various manipulative tactics used by political actors. This article aims to present a literature review of manipulative tactics that often appear in the context of general elections. We analyze various empirical and theoretical studies that highlight manipulative practices such as duping the masses, spreading fake news, money politics, voter intimidation, and gerrymandering. Through a synthesis of the literature, we identify the factors that drive the use of manipulative tactics and their impact on democratic integrity. Additionally, we explore efforts to address manipulative tactics, including stricter regulations, voter education, and the role of media and civil society in combating practices that undermine democratic processes. This analysis provides a deeper understanding of political dynamics in general elections and their relevance in the context of sustainable democratic development.

Assessing International Criminal Justice in Guatemala: Evolutions and Ongoing Challenges

Abstract This article examines the codification of international crimes in domestic law, the prosecution of international crimes committed during Guatemala’s Internal Armed Conflict, and the challenges in implementing the Rome Statute for the International Criminal Court (icc). It underscores the essential role of civil society in the fight against impunity through strategic litigation and memory initiatives, thus contributing to advances in justice. It exposes the impact of Inter-American Court of Human Rights’ rulings demanding reparations for victims of international crimes as a catalyst for domestic prosecution efforts. Furthermore, the establishment of the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (cicig) with the support of the UN represented a significant advance in justice. However, the abrupt end by the Guatemalan government of the cicig was a significant setback. Ongoing challenges involve maintaining progress within Guatemala’s criminal justice system, as many justice operators who had worked alongside cicig faced criminalization and were forced into exile.

The Role of Civil Society in the Implementation of the Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) Framework: Takeaways from Southeast Asia.

In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) with the aim of strategically guiding and coordinating efforts to reduce breast cancer mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). At the country level, GBCI requires adaptation to local contexts based on a systematic assessment of barriers faced by breast cancer patients and the health system's capacity. This requires engaging stakeholders with civil society organizations being key. During the 7th Southeast Asia Breast Cancer Symposium (SEABCS) held in Hue, Vietnam, breast cancer clinicians, policy makers, patients, advocates, and caregivers were invited to participate in a workshop to discuss the role civil society organizations will play in the implementation of GBCI. The workshop objective was to identify the needs of CSOs to effectively support the domestic implementation of GBCI principles and strategies. Twenty-two people registered for the workshop, with eight civil society organizations represented by one or more members. Participants were assigned to three groups and were asked to describe; (a) the ways in which civil society could use the GBCI framework document, advocate for its implementation at the country level, and support the implementation of recommended interventions; and (b) what would be needed for civil society to use, advocate for, or implement GBCI. This report outlines the main discussion points, the roles that civil society can play in countries' implementation efforts, and the resources needed so they can efficiently support their governments in their implementation strategy. By including civil society as a key element of breast cancer control, countries in the region and beyond can accelerate the domestic implementation of the GBCI principles and strategies, making significant progress in breast cancer control and improving the lives of those affected by the disease.

Ethnic Nationalism in Baluchistan: The Role of Government and Civil Society (2000-2022)

Ethnic Nationalism in Baluchistan: The Role of Government and Civil Society (2000-2022)

Discourse on individual rights and democracy: Philosophical foundation and contemporary challenges

The discourse on individual rights and democracy within contemporary states embodies a complex interplay of historical evolution, philosophical perspectives and contemporary challenges. This study navigates through the complex landscape of liberty, tracing its evolutionary trajectory from ancient to modern times and scrutinizing the philosophical frameworks that underpin the conceptualization of rights and democracy. Drawing upon insights from influential figures such as Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Constant, as well as philosophical traditions like contractualism, the study delves into the multifaceted dimensions of liberty and its manifestations within democratic governance structures. It examines the evolving role of the state as both protector and potential violator of individual rights, particularly in the context of totalitarian regimes like Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. Additionally, the study explores mechanisms for safeguarding individual rights amidst executive power and underscores the pivotal role of civil society in upholding democratic values. Through a synthesis of historical analysis, philosophical inquiry and contemporary observations, this study offers a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic relationship between individual rights, democracy and the contemporary state.

STATE AND CIVIL SOCIETY: COOPERATION AND INTERCONNECTION

Civil society is an important component of a legal and democratic state and therefore, in modern government policy, it is necessary to increase the role of civil society and implement a number of reforms. Modern times are characterised by a tendency to identify innovative channels for ensuring interaction between civil society institutions and the state. These political and legal phenomena cannot develop separately from each other; their existence is due to development in tandem. The civilisation of a democratic state depends on the level of development of civil society institutions, their maturity and the possibility of real influence on political processes in the country. The study of the significance of such interaction and its effectiveness are of great importance for the issues of legal theory and practice, however it is also the subject of numerous discussions.

Peran Perhimpunan Bangsa-Bangsa Asia Tenggara dalam Menanggulangi Eksploitasi Perempuan dan Anak

Human trafficking, especially the exploitation of women and children, is a serious problem that threatens humanity in the ASEAN region. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has an important role in tackling this phenomenon. This research aims to analyze ASEAN's role in tackling human trafficking, with a focus on the exploitation of women and children, as well as to identify challenges and provide recommendations for improvement. The research method used is the normative juridical method, which examines various legal materials as the main basis for answering research problems. A statutory and conceptual approach is used to examine relevant legal instruments and examine concepts related to human trafficking, human rights, and the protection of women and children. Data was collected through document studies and secondary literature, then analyzed qualitatively to evaluate ASEAN's role and effectiveness in tackling human trafficking. The research results show that ASEAN has adopted various legal instruments, including the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons (ACTIP), but implementation and coordination between member countries is still a major challenge. The role of civil society and non-governmental organizations is also important in supporting efforts to combat human trafficking in the ASEAN region. Recommendations are suggested to strengthen policy implementation, increase regional cooperation, and strengthen protection for victims, especially women and children.

Extension of the Triple Helix to Quadruple to Quintuple Helix Model

This study explores the multiple helices extended from the Triple Helix (TH) Model of innovation. Describing what Triple Helix, Quadruple Helix and Quintuple Helix Model as well as and Mode3 is the primary motive of this paper. This study is solely based on secondary sources and the research is exploratory as well as descriptive in its nature. Originally proposed by Henry Etzkowitz and Loet Leydesdorff (1995), the TH Model elucidated innovation dynamics stemming from interactions among academia, industry, and government. Building upon this foundation, the Quadruple Helix Model was introduced as the fourth helix, emphasizing basically on the role of civil society in innovation processes, thus highlighting aspects of social inclusion, public engagement, and ethical considerations. Likewise, the Quintuple Helix Model incorporates socio-ecological interactions, emphasizing the generation and dissemination of knowledge impacting the natural environment. This framework basically depicts opportunities for addressing new challenges such as climate change through innovation for sustainable development within the knowledge society and economy. Similarly, exploring the implications of Mode 1, Mode 2, and Mode 3 knowledge on economy, society and democracy, this study also attempts to investigate the evolution of innovation helix models and their impact on fostering inclusive, collaborative, and sustainable innovation ecosystems. In course of studying the model of innovation system, there come simple question about how the Triple Helix Model of innovation has been extended up to Quintuple Helix via Quadruple Helix Model of innovation. This is a policy-based research which will help to the stakeholders like academics, planners, researchers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and governing bodies for understanding Triple Helix, Quadruple Helix and Quintuple Helix model in better way.

Democracy: a modern definition for the library field

PurposeDue to contemporary threats to democracy, the topic is highly prominent in news and social discourse. The Library and Information Science (LIS) field writes about democracy frequently and it is a core concept underwriting many common library practices, but it lacks a working definition of modern democracy. This article supplies a minimal definition of democracy specifically for LIS, and expands the concept to encompass a more empirically accurate concept of library roles in democratic societies that includes the sociology of democracy where libraries arguable play a more significant role.Design/methodology/approachThere is an unpacking of library assumptions about operating in democratic societies, an empirical survey of the conditions of modern democracy, and a baseline theoretical description of democratic functioning as it currently exists.FindingsA minimal definition of modern democracy situates library practices – and in some ways minimizes them. However, the role of culture – the sociology that democracy presumes – comes to prominence when the civil society role of libraries and the conditions of successful democratic functioning are examined.Originality/valueThere is now a minimal definition of democracy for LIS with this effort, but it needs expansion. In that sense, LIS is a leading example of the undertheorized role of the sociology that democracy presumes.

К вопросу о многогранности и практическом смысле публичной политики

The article attempts to analyze the main trends in the development of the concept and scientific direction of public policy. Despite the fact that for more than a decade and a half this concept and direction have been actively introduced into Russian scientific circulation and the education system, the discussion about the subject field and practical significance of public policy is far from over. Russia is not homogeneous in its search for the basic meanings of public policy. Within foreign scientific schools there are also various interpretations of this concept, which differ from each other not only from theoretical and methodological, but also from political and ideological points of view. According to the author, in order to understand the versatility and practical meaning of public policy, one should take into account the socio-political context in which this direction was born and developed. Being originally a product of socio-political and value changes in the second half of the 20th century, the conceptual framework of public policy helped researchers, politicians, bureaucrats and citizens take a different look at how to build communication between the state and society, how to make the decision-making process more problem-oriented and closer to people’s real lives. At the same time, the author underscores the lack of a single answer to the questions posed by public policy, highlighting two main traditions in its understanding. The first tradition gives priority to the state and public administration, while the second one focuses on the role of civil society. Today Russia is in the process of developing its own meanings of public policy that would adequately reflect the needs of the state and society and contribute to building effective communication between them in order to improve the quality of decisions. This article should be considered as a continuation of the corresponding discussion, which is crucial for the Russian scientific community both in theoretical and practical terms.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS INTEGRATION: BUSINESS PLATFORMS, INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SYNERGY AND COOPERATION

The subject of the study is the integration of international business: business platforms, international business synergy and cooperation. The purpose of the study is to formulate the concept of integrating international business into a single powerful platform by applying existing practices of business platforms. Methodology. The study used general and specific methods of scientific knowledge: the method of system analysis, the dialectical method, the formal logical method and the structural-functional method, as well as a number of empirical methods. Results. It is found that the study of international business integration is not new at the level of doctrine in foreign countries. However, in Ukraine, this phenomenon has not been thoroughly studied and requires the formation of a national vision and laying the foundations for business integration in modern conditions. The main factors that necessitate the creation of business platforms for Ukraine as tools for achieving synergy in the integration of international business in Ukraine include: globalisation processes, technological progress, integration, the need for unification of legislation, the full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation of Ukraine, resource saving, economic growth, etc. The role of civil society in relations with business was highlighted, as it has become a bridge for the state and business in addressing important issues and a communication intermediary between Ukrainian business and the international community, as well as the importance of academic partnerships and incubation programmes in business integration and cooperation. It was noted that the integration of international business is an effective way to attract investment, move business, increase instruments, and provide opportunities to deepen business through integration processes into another financial system that is more capacious and capable. The article substantiates that integration of international business into a single powerful business platform is a long and gradual process which has to go through various stages related to cultural, legal, financial and other types of adaptation. At the same time, the creation of such a mechanism for integrating international business is the goal of the platform.

Transforming a Day-Laborer's Quarter into a Service Hub: An Analysis of the Case of Kotobuki in Yokohama, Japan, Using Public Choice and Neo-Hegelian Theories

The inadequate provision of welfare services has long represented a persisting issue in addressing urban poverty, especially in districts where poverty converges. One such district, once a day laborer's quarter, is Kotobuki of Yokohama. However, given that Kotobuki is now recognized as a welfare center, this study analyzes why the abovementioned transformation occurred. Previous research examining this question focused especially on the role of civil society, neglecting that of the city government, despite its crucial role in providing welfare services. Furthermore, few studies have employed robust theories in their analysis. Against this background, this study aims to bridge these gaps, conducting in-depth interviews with city government officials and civil society personnel while using public choice and neo-Hegelian theories. The findings provide useful implications for policymakers in day laborers’ quarters worldwide, as well as insight into future welfare strategies, informing the development of public policies to address urban poverty.

Civil Society's Role in Shaping Political Discourse: Comparative Analysis


 
 
 This comparative analysis explores the pivotal role of civil society in shaping political discourse across different socio-political contexts. Through a qualitative approach, this study delves into the dynamics of civil society engagement and its impact on political discourse through an extensive review of literature and library research. The study examines various case studies and empirical evidence from diverse regions to elucidate the multifaceted nature of civil society's influence on political discourse. The findings reveal that civil society organizations play a crucial role in promoting pluralistic and inclusive political discourse by fostering dialogue, advocacy, and civic engagement. Moreover, the comparative analysis highlights the significance of contextual factors such as historical legacies, institutional frameworks, and socio-cultural dynamics in shaping the effectiveness of civil society's engagement in political discourse. The study underscores the need for further research to explore the nuances of civil society's role in different political environments and to identify best practices for enhancing its contribution to democratic governance. By shedding light on the comparative dynamics of civil society's engagement in political discourse, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms through which civil society can promote democratic values and foster informed and inclusive political debates.