Role Of Civil Society Research Articles

Global Social Movements (GSMs) and Non-Governmental Organizations: Investigating the Impact on Global Social Change

Global Social Movements (GSMs) have become integral to the study of Sociology and International Politics, reflecting the interconnectedness of global communities on diverse issues. Orchestrated by NGOs and INGOs, GSMs encompass environmental, women’s, human rights, racial, fair trade, and refugee movements, among others, reflecting the breadth of global concerns. However, challenges arise from political affiliations between civil society members and state authorities, as well as pressures from donor countries and ruling elites in economically disadvantaged nations. This study, employing content analysis methodology, aims to delineate the causes of GSMs, investigate the roles of INGOs and civil society, and explore the interplay between GSMs and global governance. Through critical analysis, it provides insights and recommendations to enhance the effectiveness and inclusivity of GSMs in addressing global challenges, thus contributing to the advancement of global democracy and governance structures.

Finding climate smart agriculture in civil-society initiatives

International civil society and non-government organisations (NGOs) play a role in implementing agricultural projects, which contribute to the mitigation, adaptation, and food security dimensions of climate-smart agriculture (CSA). Despite the growth of CSA, it remains unclear how CSA is designed, conceptualised, and embedded into agricultural development projects led and implemented by NGOs, creating a lack of clarity as to the direction of future of agricultural development interventions. This paper examines the extent to which development programmes from the NGO sector actively incorporate CSA principles to benefit smallholder farmers under the major pillars of CSA. Drawing from six projects’ documentation since 2009, we conducted a thematic analysis to reveal the alignment of projects with the pillars of CSA and discuss the extent to which CSA allows for localised adaptability given the diverse agricultural contexts in which civil society and NGOs work. We find that despite a lack of clarity in CSA definition and focus, the agricultural practices in the six projects make heterogenous contributions to the adoption of CSA principles. We illustrate the diversity of ways in which CSA is ‘done’ by a global NGO across six areas: greening and forests, practices and knowledge exchange, markets, policy and institutions, nutrition, carbon and climate, and gender. We discuss the need for balance in contextual adaptability across the three pillars of CSA with explicit consideration of trade-offs to reduce unintended outcomes from CSA initiatives. We conclude with reflections on the role of civil society and NGOs as boundary agents in the agricultural development sector.

Ecological Justice in the Framework of Pancasila: Problems and Challenges

This paper examines the concept of ecological justice within the framework of Pancasila, the philosophical foundation of the Indonesian state. While Pancasila emphasizes socio-cultural harmony and collective welfare, its application to ecological issues poses significant challenges. This analysis delves into the complexities of achieving ecological justice within the Pancasila framework, identifying key problems and challenges. Beginning with an exploration of Pancasila's core principles, the paper highlights its emphasis on social justice, democracy, and collective responsibility. It then discusses the intersection between Pancasila and environmental concerns, emphasizing the need for ecological justice to address issues such as environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change. Drawing on case studies and theoretical perspectives, the paper identifies several challenges in applying Pancasila to ecological justice. These challenges include reconciling traditional values with modern environmental imperatives, balancing economic development with environmental sustainability, and addressing power disparities in environmental decision-making. Furthermore, the paper examines the role of governance structures, policy frameworks, and civil society in promoting ecological justice within the Pancasila framework. It discusses potential pathways for integrating environmental considerations into Pancasila-based policies and practices. Through this analysis, the paper contributes to the discourse on ecological justice by exploring its intersection with indigenous philosophical frameworks like Pancasila. It underscores the importance of incorporating environmental concerns into Pancasila-based governance to ensure a more sustainable and equitable future for Indonesia and beyond.

Dirty Dollars: Profits Over Planet in Indonesia’s Application of the Polluter Pays Principle

This paper critically examines Indonesia's application of the Polluter Pays Principle (PPP), revealing a troubling trend where economic interests often trump environmental responsibility. Through an in-depth analysis of case studies and regulatory frameworks, it exposes instances where corporations prioritize profits at the expense of environmental protection, exploiting regulatory loopholes and evading accountability for pollution. Drawing attention to the inherent tensions between economic development and environmental sustainability, the paper highlights the inadequacies in Indonesia's enforcement of the PPP. It scrutinizes the role of government agencies, industry actors, and civil society in perpetuating this profit-driven paradigm, shedding light on the challenges faced by environmental advocates in holding polluters accountable. Furthermore, the paper interrogates the implications of prioritizing profits over the planet, including the degradation of ecosystems, loss of biodiversity, and adverse impacts on public health and livelihoods. It underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to align Indonesia's economic agenda with environmental imperatives, promoting a more balanced approach that prioritizes the planet alongside profits. In conclusion, the paper calls for a paradigm shift in Indonesia's application of the PPP, emphasizing the importance of robust regulations, transparent enforcement mechanisms, and corporate accountability measures. It advocates for a holistic approach that integrates environmental considerations into economic decision-making processes, safeguarding Indonesia's natural heritage for future generations while ensuring sustainable development and prosperity.

Sudan's health sector partnership: From confined progression to openness and hope to uncertain demise

AbstractMotivationDespite the signature of the 2005 Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness and subsequent adoption of the principles of effective development co‐operation (EDC) for better health co‐operation, there is a gap in documenting the challenges to implement these commitments at country level. Sudan represents an interesting case study. The country adopted a local health compact in 2014, but for much of the time since the regime had been under sanction. Sudan witnessed a revolution in 2018, followed by a counter‐coup in 2021.Purpose: We aim to explore the evolution of the relationships, perspectives, and compliance of Sudan's health sector partners in terms of the EDC principles of ownership, alignment, and harmonization, while accounting for underlying processes and context changes between 2015 and 2022.Methods and approachWe collected data through two rounds of interviews, in 2015 (16) and 2022 (8), with stakeholders within the Sudan Health Sector Partnership. We used the framework method for data analysis where responses are coded and then sorted into themes.FindingsBefore the 2019 revolution, co‐operation was progressive but restricted, with civil society marginalized and a dominating government. The EDC principles, especially ownership, were misused and misaligned with national priorities driven by donors' interests and conditions.The transition period (post‐revolution) witnessed an influx of partners, characterized by their openness, but unstable leadership and subsequent changes in priorities led to wasted opportunities.Following the coup, donors adopted a no‐contact policy towards the de facto government. The expectation was that civil society organizations would replace the government as the main implementers. Overall, limited co‐ordination capacity and no sustainability measures were present throughout.Policy implicationsMuch of what was observed was due to the often complicated and difficult context of the governance of Sudan. However, general issues arose, including the government's ability to co‐ordinate policy and implementation; the need for stable, legitimate arrangements; and the need to define the role of civil society and empower civil society organizations. In a complex and volatile context, revisiting partners' commitments through joint compact reviews and transparent EDC progress monitoring is crucial.

CRIMINALIZATION OF CIVIL SOCIETY AND INDONESIA ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS: CASE STUDY OF TANJUNG BENOA RECLAMATION

There is a serious problem with Indonesia's environmental politics because the government supported policies that potentially harmed the environment, including the reclamation project. Reclamation has harmed the mangrove forest and coral reef, as well as the fishing area. Civil society questioned the commitment of Indonesia's government to protecting the mangrove forest in Indonesia. The problem is worsened when activists and indigenous communities are criminalized. Activists are threatened by legal action due to their political activism. This research attempted to understand the role of civil society in changing government decisions by using a case study of the cancellation of the reclamation plan in Tanjung Benoa, Bali. Primary data is obtained through direct observation in Tanjung Benoa, Bali, and supported by secondary data from journals, news outlets, and official reports. There are two main findings. Firstly, the criminalization of civil society showed that the contradiction of the Indonesian constitution and law enforcement is clearer. Secondly, the government finally canceled the reclamation project in Tanjung Benoa due to massive protests from communities and civil society.
 Keywords: Environmental Politics, Indonesia, Tanjung Benoa, Civil Society, Reclamation

Turning Students into Stock Market Investors: The Role of Civil Society and Public Schools in Swedish Financialization, c. 1985–2010

This article brings agency to discussions on financialization and financial education in Sweden by zooming in on two barely examined actors and arenas: civil society and public schools, respectively. The civil society organization Aktiespararna (Swedish Shareholders’ Association, founded in 1966) attempted to access and impact school education starting with its launch of youth efforts in the 1980s. Aktiespararna was joined in these efforts by Unga Aktiesparare (Swedish Young Shareholders’ Association), founded in 1990. This study describes the organizational strategies—tools, techniques, and discursive approaches—to reach Swedish upper-secondary school students. The result shows a crucial transition on how young Swedes were expected to relate to investing in stocks: from a special interest to pursue as either side activity or profession, to an inevitable part of everyday consumer life. The Swedish example is especially illuminating because it is general in its overall development from welfare state to market orientation. Yet, it emerges as distinctive in its pace and character. Apart from the apparent brisk, straightforward march from social-democratic hegemony, and one of the most regulated national economies in the mid-1900s, to a highly marketized and financialized society in the 2000s, Sweden holds a sociocultural history of strong popular movements and civil society associations. The article demonstrates important links between this aspect of collective engagement for individual progress and the financialization process.

The 2030 Agenda in Uruguay: critical aspects of its implementation during the period 2015-2020

We are facing a time of multidimensional crisis that demands new policy responses that place sustainable development at the centre. The 2030 Agenda was born in 2015 as a framework for collective action in response to the challenge of the multidimensional crisis, with the aim of serving as a guide for all countries to move towards sustainable development. This article addresses this challenge by studying the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in Uruguay between 2015 and 2020. It analyses the deployment of this agenda with reference to six critical areas for the success of the 2030 Agenda: the visions and narratives of the agenda, the institutional framework, the strategic vision, coordination and coherence between actors, the role of civil society and the specific instruments for its implementation. The article focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of this process, highlighting the excessive focus on the dynamics of technocratisation and accountability that can undermine efforts for achieving sustainable development.

Does Society Nurture a Sense of Victimhood? Bulgarian and Albanian Discourse

With the rise of the crime rate, the number of direct victims increases, in parallel with the secondary victims. This article explores the state-of-art of victimisation and victim-related policies and practices in Bulgaria and Albania. The role of state agencies, non-governmental organisations, media and civil society in preventing and respond-ing to victimisation is under scrutiny. The focus is on the victim's culture, mentality and sense of victimhood. Based on the findings of empirical studies launched in both countries, recommendations for improving the victimogenic status quo are developed.

State of the literature discussing smoke-free policies globally: A narrative review.

Despite the success of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), most jurisdictions in the world do not have policies that create 100% smoke-free environments in indoor workplaces, indoor public places, public transport, or other public places. We conducted a narrative review of articles that discuss smoke-free policies and describe the state of the current literature. A search of peer-reviewed and gray literature, published between 1 January 2004 and 30 April 2022, was conducted using PubMed and EMBASE databases. We classified articles based on the location of the policy discussed (WHO region, World Bank income classification) and the environment that was being made smoke-free. Insights related to policy development and implementation, as well as compliance and enforcement, were also identified. The search identified 4469 unique citations; 134 articles met the criteria for inclusion and underwent data extraction by two independent coders. The sample included articles published in or about jurisdictions in each WHO region, in high- and low- and mediumincome countries, and articles that discussed policies regulating smoke-free indoor workplaces, indoor public places, public transport, outdoor/quasi-outdoor environments, and other (unspecified) public places. Some important insights from the literature related to smoke-free policy implementation included tobacco industry interference, the important role of civil society, and the need for effective communication, education, and leadership. Enforcement officials' awareness and training, stakeholders' attitudes and beliefs, and understanding social norms were identified as relevant determinants of effective smoke-free policies. There continue to be challenges for implementing smoke-free policies in jurisdictions throughout the globe, in high- and low- and middle-income countries. The literature includes insights to support 100% smoke-free policies in each environment that must be made smoke-free as per the FCTC.

Volunteering dynamics in leisure, tourism and hospitality: developing sustainable practices for well-being and social impact

ABSTRACT This article explores the multifaceted landscape of volunteering in leisure, tourism and hospitality (LTH) organisations, acknowledging its fundamental role in civil society, and serves as the inception point for an in-depth research project. Volunteerism is explored in diverse forms, ranging from serious leisure engagements to episodic commitments, focusing on its transformative nature and impact on human capital. The study emphasises the integral role of volunteering as a strategic element in addressing human capital challenges and maintaining equilibrium between paid and unpaid staff. Ethical considerations, the significance of emotional intelligence and the potential of volunteering as a stepping stone to employment are emphasised. Differences in volunteering trends across LTH sectors are examined, and the need for a healthy environment balancing paid and unpaid staff is accentuated. The article introduces an integrated approach to studying volunteerism, employing qualitative narrative inquiry to understand the nuanced interactions among volunteers, organisations and their environments. The study aims to provide practical advice for LTH organisations, fostering a stable labour market where voluntary work is recognised as vital.

The influence of the dictatorship and the emergence of the common

This article discusses the influence of the Pinochet dictatorship on the understan-ding of the commons in Chile, especially in terms of its social and civic expression. Following the course of the critical hermeneutics, the analysis focuses on two as-pects of this influence: a) the legal aspect, which allows one type of social associa-tion while criminalizing another, and b) the economic aspect, which permeates the (self-)understanding of the individual as a subject who, in order to be free, must ensure that there is no external resistance to his or her actions. The results show the importance of interpretation and interpellation provided by the hermeneutic approach and the role of civil society in dynamizing social action and understan-ding the common.

The Role of Civil Society in the Democratic Transition of Kosovo

The Role of Civil Society in the Democratic Transition of Kosovo

Civil society and COVID-19 pandemic in Nagaland: Response in a Democratic Society

Civil society plays a very constructive role in a society especially in times of a pandemic. The paper explores the role of civil societies in responding to COVID-19 pandemic in Nagaland. The whole state has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic since early August-October 2020. Preliminary findings exhibits that civil societies played a vital role in providing emergency services, funding, volunteering, mutual aid, in-kind donations, and even policy advocacy. This article highlights that despite the state government with its limited resources was able to keep the pandemic crisis under control due to the active support and participation of civil societies. As respective civil societies within their own areas came forward in providing essential food and services to the most vulnerable sections of society which got affected the most by the imposition of total and partial lockdowns. This article suggests that the role of civil societies should not be overlooked in the context of pandemic management.

The role of civil society and good governance in effective air quality management in the South Durban Industrial Basin, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The role of civil society and good governance in effective air quality management in the South Durban Industrial Basin, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Climate Change Litigation: A New Frontier for Environmental Law and Policy

Climate change litigation has emerged as a pivotal frontier in environmental law and policy, serving as a catalyst for transformative legal and policy responses to the complex challenges posed by global climate change. This paper presents a comprehensive framework that systematically explores the multifaceted dimensions of climate change litigation. Beginning with an overview of the current climate crisis and its impact, the paper analyzes the legal foundations at both domestic and international levels, considering key environmental law principles that underpin litigation strategies. The study categorizes climate change litigation into distinct types, highlighting landmark cases and assessing evolving legal strategies. Challenges and opportunities faced by litigants and legal systems are scrutinized, emphasizing the crucial role of non-governmental organizations and civil society in advocacy and policy influence. The paper concludes by examining policy implications, forecasting future trends, and providing recommendations for stakeholders to enhance the efficacy of climate change litigation within environmental law and policy.

Future of Uniform Civil Code in India: Strategies for Effective Implementation and Social Acceptance

The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) remains a contentious and pivotal issue in India's legal and social discourse, aiming to unify personal laws across religious communities under a common civil code. This paper explores strategies for effectively implementing UCC while addressing challenges related to social acceptance in the diverse socio-cultural fabric of India. The introduction provides a comprehensive overview of the historical context and constitutional mandate of UCC under Article 44, highlighting its significance for promoting legal uniformity, gender equality, and social justice. The literature review synthesizes existing scholarship on UCC in India, examining legal precedents, policy debates, and public opinion. It identifies key challenges hindering UCC implementation, including constitutional complexities, religious diversity, federalism, and concerns about minority rights and cultural practices. Building on this foundation, the methodology outlines a qualitative approach incorporating analysis of legal documents, policy documents, court judgments, and insights from stakeholders and experts. It discusses the rationale for selected methodologies to address research questions effectively. Strategies for overcoming implementation challenges are proposed, encompassing legal reforms, public awareness campaigns, community consultations, engagement with religious leaders, and capacity-building for judiciary and legal professionals. These strategies aim to foster dialogue, understanding, and consensus among diverse communities. The paper also examines the role of education, media, civil society, and advocacy groups in promoting social acceptance of UCC. Case studies from other countries provide comparative insights into successful approaches to managing similar legal reforms.

How are political parties in Indonesia responding to the environmental crisis?

The environmental issues of living have become a crucial issue in the development of Indonesia in the last few decades. The issue of environmental management has been a narrative that has always been debated in political controversy events since the collapse of the Soeharto regime, and is still a very difficult homework to solve by the post-Suharto regime. Democracy also continues to push for improvements in environmental governance such as strengthening the role of civil society in overseeing state policies, increasingly sharp media role in investigating environmental damage and corrupt policies, and increasingly open public awareness. Environmental issues such as mining policies, the displacement of forests, the grinding of sea sand, mollusks and so on seem to be not very prominent in political party discussions. Even life-related issues are not central to political parties. Very few political parties put environmental issues in their vision and mission, which is why the study focuses on political narrative and how intensely political parties raise environmental themes in political party discussions in Indonesia. The political approach to the living environment is the basis of this study which is elaborated with netnographic studies to review the political narrative of the life environment by the party.

Designing an Optimal Model for the Role of Civil Society in Crime Prevention within the Iranian Criminal Justice System

The present study aims to design an optimal model for the role of civil society in crime prevention within the Iranian criminal justice system. To address this issue, a qualitative research strategy utilizing thematic analysis was employed. The research data were collected through semi-standardized interviews with 12 experts in the fields of criminal law and criminology, who were selected using theoretical sampling. The data were analyzed through thematic network analysis, and a conceptual network measurement model was constructed. The findings from the qualitative research indicated that the design of an optimal model for the role of civil society in crime prevention within the Iranian criminal justice system includes the overarching theme of: 1) External strategies, which encompass updating and resolving legal and regulatory issues, adopting preventive criminal policy, addressing implementation problems, strengthening the position of civil society, enhancing social capital within the community, promoting public education and awareness, and resolving socio-economic issues; and 2) Internal strategies, which consist of applying knowledge management in crime prevention and strengthening the structure and management of civil society institutions. Additionally, to validate the constructed themes and model, two methods were used: the communicative validation approach and the auditing method. For reliability assessment, two methods were employed: repeatability and transferability.

The Impact of Civil Society and Social Movements on Advancing Democracy and Protection of Human Rights in Africa

This research paper examines the role of civil society, including Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and social movements, in promoting democratic governance and protecting human rights across Africa. It explores the various ways civil society actors contribute to a stronger Pan-African democratic landscape, while acknowledging the challenges they face. The paper will discuss how NGOs advocate for policy change, monitor elections, and empower citizens. Social movements will be examined for their role in mobilizing communities and raising awareness of human rights abuses.