Strengthening Civil Society Research Articles

Candles of Change: Nonviolent Resistance in Sudan

Overthrowing dictatorial regimes presents a formidable challenge, as these governments often maintain tight control over state mechanisms and media narratives; this paper explores the concept of nonviolent resistance, particularly within the context of the Sudanese revolution, utilising a qualitative research methodology and gathers qualitative data through interviews and focus groups with key participants in the Sudanese nonviolent movements. These include secondary data from online reports from civil society organisations of members of Resistance Committees and women activists. It also examines the tactics and strategies employed by nonviolent movements, including sit-ins, media campaigns, and the strategic use of the “butterfly effect,” demonstrating how small, coordinated actions can lead to significant societal change. The paper concludes with recommendations to strengthen civil society, enhance the capacity of Resistance Committees, and ensure women’s continued participation in the political process. These measures are essential for preserving the revolution’s achievements and supporting Sudan’s transition towards a more democratic and peaceful future.

Factors of the growing role of mass communication as a tool for shaping political consciousness in the modern world

The article is dedicated to the study of the factors contributing to the increasing influence of mass media on the formation of political consciousness in modern society. In the context of globalization and digitalization, mass media have become key instruments in shaping public opinion, political preferences, and mobilizing various forms of socio-political activity. The paper analyzes the key technological, sociocultural, political, and economic factors that directly or indirectly determine the influence of mass media on political processes and societal consciousness. Special attention is given to the role of algorithms in the selection and presentation of information, including the impact of external factors on content, as well as challenges related to the spread of disinformation and manipulative technologies. The article also explores the phenomenon of the mediatization of politics and the self-referential nature of mass media, which contribute to the formation of a specific public space and changes in political communication. The problems of global media influence, which tend to unify information flows and blur cultural and political differences between countries, are also analyzed. The conclusions emphasize the importance of ensuring transparency, independence, and diversity of mass media to support democratic processes, strengthen civil society, and prevent information manipulation in the modern world.

Local councils as movement resource: Post-anti-extradition movement district councils in Hong Kong

ABSTRACT This paper studies the short-lived reform experiment on grassroot democracy by the District Councils of Hong Kong in 2020–2021, following the landslide victory of candidates who supported the 2019 Anti-Extradition Movement of Hong Kong. It argues that the institutional positions and resources of local elections can serve as movement resources to support social and political movements, promote civic participation and community-building, and strengthen civil society. By a study of meeting documents and in-depth interviews with 50 pro-movement councillors, this paper recounted how movement activists made use of the local councils to support the movement, change funding allocation to counter clientelism, encourage grassroot participation and network with civil society. The window of political opportunity was quickly shut down with the imposition of the National Security Law for Hong Kong, but it showed the possibility of using local councils to further movement causes and grassroot democracy in a much-constrained non-democratic institutional setting.

Media space and the formation of civil society: the role of information technologies

Introduction: The media space and information technologies are rapidly evolving, influencing the formation of civil society and democratic processes. Objectives: This research aims to analyze modern trends in the interaction between the media space, information technologies, and civil society, focusing on the growth of civic activity and participation in social life. Methods: The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys to assess public trust in media and qualitative analyses of digital media strategies. Results: The findings highlight varying levels of trust among Europeans in media and technological advancements as tools for fostering a democratic society. Key digital media strategies that increase civic engagement were identified. Conclusions: Research concludes that media space and information technologies hold significant potential for strengthening civil society and supporting freedom of speech. A promising direction is the integration of critical thinking and media literacy, especially in the context of increasing geopolitical tensions. The study emphasizes the need for further innovation in mass media, developing adaptive strategies that align with the dynamics of the digital age and contribute to civil society's development.

The Challenges of Civil Society for Peace Organization CAP in Strengthening Civil Society In Southern Thailand

<p>This study aims to describe the challenges of the Civil Society Assembly for Peace (CAP) in strengthening civil Society in realizing Peace in southern Thailand. The method used in this research is descriptive-analytic qualitative. This study uses two sources of data, particularly primary data obtained through interviews with informants related to the problem under study and secondary data from documents, books, articles, journals, and other sources to support this research. The results showed that the purpose of the Civil Society Assembly for Peace (CAP) to unite the direction of the struggle of community organizations in realizing Peace in Southern Thailand has led to significant results. This has been proven since it was founded in 2020; as many as 27 civil society organizations have joined the civil society assembly for Peace (CAP). This Organization has received full support from various elements of the minority Muslim community in Southern Thailand. On the other hand, the Thai government considers this Organization a threat that can disrupt national political stability. Various endeavors to confine the movement of this Organization were accomplished by the Thai government in multiple ways, both in the form of physical (arrest) and non-physical actions (limiting cooperation with various organizations outside Thailand).</p>

Etik Problem Olarak Yolsuzluk, Nedenleri ve Yolsuzluğa Karşı Alınabilecek Önlemler

Corruption is a complex ethical issue that has profoundly affected social, economic and political systems in both developed and developing countries throughout history. This study aims to comprehensively discuss the definition of corruption, measurement methods, causes, effects and measures that can be taken against this problem. Corruption can be defined as the abuse of authority by public officials for their personal interests and can occur in various forms such as bribery and embezzlement. Causes of corruption include unclear laws and regulations, opportunities for abuse of power, low income levels, and inadequate enforcement of property rights and the rule of law. The negative effects of corruption are that it weakens the credibility of the state by eroding the social and economic fabric of society and hinders economic development. In this context, measures that can be taken against corruption include strategies such as strengthening the educational and cultural structure, democratization and strengthening of civil society, restructuring the state, transparency and accountability, judicial reform, improving the salaries of public officials and developing religious awareness. This study attempts to find effective and applicable solutions by examining the causes and effects of corruption in depth. Anti-corruption strategies will play an important role in preventing and reducing corruption by raising awareness in all segments of society. Keywords: Corruption, Ethics, Combating Corruption, Transparency, Public

Fostering Democratic Values for the Future

delving into the subjects that contribute to the democratic values frame. We will investigate the active role of individuals in shaping cultural norms and emphasize the importance of their participation in manifesting democratic power within the state. Moreover, the study questions whether the education system effectively prepares the future generation to be responsible members of society. The paper starts with the concept of co-creation and assesses whether individuals are ready to understand or know its implications. It reviews the empowerment of individuals as active decision-makers in societal processes and their ability to critically reflect on social movements and evolution. Furthermore, the research explores whether the upcoming generation possesses values that enable them to reject or aspire to different ideologies. In addressing the relationship between individuals and civil society, the paper investigates when and how nongovernmentalorganizations play a role in the education of future generations' values. An essential aspect of the study is an analysis of the education system's contribution to promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Romania. The research evaluates whether citizens have the necessary values to protect and support a sustainable future. The methodological framework for the paper is structured around a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, such as literature and document review, content and comparative analysis, and a multidisciplinary approach to gather comprehensive insights. Through this comprehensive examination, the paper aims to contribute valuable insights and recommendations for enhancing Romania's preuniversity education system, strengthening civil society, and promoting a sustainable future.

Evaluation of Climate Resilience Strategies in Vulnerable Communities in Ethiopia

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate on the evaluation of climate resilience strategies in vulnerable communities in Ethiopia. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: In Ethiopia, climate resilience strategies have been evaluated to address the increasing challenges faced by vulnerable communities. The Partners for Resilience program, implemented by CARE and other partners, has made significant strides in integrating disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and ecosystem management and restoration, positively impacting over 1.2 million people. Efforts have focused on diversifying livelihoods, strengthening civil society's capacity for dialogue and advocacy, and rehabilitating water schemes and farmland. The Climate Vulnerability and Capacity Analysis (CVCA) by CARE Ethiopia has been instrumental in understanding local vulnerabilities and developing adaptive capacities against climate variability. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social-ecological systems theory (SES), community-based adaptation (CBA) theory & vulnerability and resilience theory may be used to anchor future studies on evaluation of climate resilience strategies in vulnerable communities in Ethiopia. Strengthens community ownership, adaptive capacity, and sustainability of resilience interventions. Advocating for integrated policy frameworks that mainstream climate resilience into national and local development plans.

The Ten-Year Revolution

Abstract This article reviews the evolution of the role of civil society documentation efforts in international justice proceedings since 2013 circa. It is written from my personal perspective by virtue of my involvement in a series of initiatives aimed to strengthen civil society’s (as well as other international justice actors’) documentation efforts through the collection of standards and best practices, which the essay also discusses. In particular, it reviews the process and challenges of setting forth the first comprehensive guidance and set of best practices for civil society documentation with the Public International Law and Policy Group’s ‘Handbook on Civil Society Documentation of Serious Human Rights Violations’. It argues that civil society documentation efforts have undergone a revolution within the field: from the margins to the very heart of international judicial proceedings upholding accountability for international crimes. This revolution was, in part, rendered possible by a changing documentation landscape and the proliferation of documentation resources and capabilities now readily available to the civil society. After reviewing the current state of play with respect to documentary efforts and documentation best practices, which I situate within the context of a broader evolution of the international justice ‘ecosystem’, the article addresses some ongoing challenges in documentation and areas that would benefit of further strengthening in the future.

The transformation of social work in Ukraine before and during the war

Background: This article aims to review the development of the social work profession in Ukraine and to describe the impact of social, economic and political changes on social work practices and education. Methods: A comprehensive literature review and participant observation methods informed this study. A case study of a Polish community’s response to Ukrainian war refugees illustrates how social workers might capitalize on current social structures to continue strengthening civil society in Ukraine. Findings and Discussion: Social Work, focusing on the fit between person and environment, is shaped by knowledge, culture and belief systems. Ukraine’s history and transition from communist/centralized thinking to civil society is reflected in the development of social work to date. The impact of Russian invasions has hindered and strengthened how social workers can recognize and respond to needs. Limitations include the time lag between published articles and the rapidly changing situation in Ukraine. Originality/Value: Few articles focus on social work development in Ukraine, which adds to this article’s originality and relevance.

Civil Society of East Java Humanitarian Network (JKJT) "Street Children's Assistance with NGOs"

This journal aims to determine the strengthening of civil society in an NGO organization engaged in the social sector. As a form of concern for the fate of street children who are also children of the nation who are entitled to a decent life. Street children assistance seeks to eradicate street children from the streets and make them independent and have human dignity. The assistance for street children carried out by JKJT includes outreach to street children, the process of assisting street children, approaches used in assisting street children, motivational activities given to street children and the results of this assistance.

Martabat Pendekatan Tafsir Mawḍū‘ī dalam Penulisan Tafsir di Era Globalisasi

Al-Tafsīr al-mawḍū‘ī also referred to as thematic tafsīr was introduced by tafsīr experts in the early 1970s. Following that, this interpretation method evolved through many ways pioneered by al-mawḍū‘ī interpretation luminaries such as al-Farmāwī, al-Kūmmī, ‘Abd al-Sattār, Muṣṭafā Muslim, al-Khālidī, Ziauddin Sardar, and others. Although the technique given by these tafsīr figures intends to generate systematic al-mawḍū‘ī tafsīr literature, these approaches can also be applied to address difficulties in the globalization period. Therefore, this study took the initiative to describe the al-mawḍū‘ī interpretation approach of tafsīr scholars and further discuss these approaches in facing the era of globalization. This study collects data from document sources and analyzes them using the content analysis method. According to the findings of the study, al-mawḍū‘ī tafsīr experts apply basic procedures in al-mawḍū‘ī tafsīr by establishing themes, collecting verses, determining the relationship between verses and themes, and summarizing verses and themes. Meanwhile, the al-mawḍū‘ī interpretation approach can be enabled to address social challenges involving issues of faith, social development, and environmental sustainability in the age of globalization. This study has a great impact on the implementation of establishing a more sustainable community and strengthening civil society’s ambitions.

Factors And Interests That Unite Citizens

This article examines the efforts of citizen associations to further develop democracy and strengthen civil society. It has been analyzed by scientific studies that associations that unite citizens can be generators of social trust or vice versa.

Auf dem Weg in die Postdemokratie

AbstractWe are on the way to post-democracy – but where are we today? This article discusses the post-democracy thesis against the background of recent social problems such as the Corona pandemic, the rise of right-wing populism and the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine. On the one hand, these problems indicate that Western democracies have taken a further step towards post-democracy. On the other hand, democratic potentials, such as a strengthening civil society and supranational democratic institutions, were also revealed in dealing with these problems. The article argues that in order to counteract post-democratic tendencies, both formal and informal democratic elements need to be strengthened and that it is more necessary than ever to build “bridges” between the two.

Education and Minority Groups in Afghanistan: The Case of Hazara People

Afghanistan, known for its ancient history and as a centre of knowledge in the past, has seen the rise of great civilizations such as Arya, Bakhtar, and Khorasan. Education in ancient Afghanistan was influenced by the Vedic religion and later the Avestan civilization until the arrival of Islam. Education in Afghanistan is recognized as a fundamental human right that plays a crucial role in alleviating poverty, addressing inequality, and fostering sustainable development. However, the Hazara people, an ethnic and religious minority in Afghanistan, have historically been deprived of this right due to cultural, linguistic, and religious differences with the dominant Pashtun population. Hazaras have faced discrimination, marginalization, and violent persecution throughout Afghan history. They have been systematically denied access to education, employment, and political representation. Despite some progress, the Hazara people continue to face barriers to accessing quality education. Hazara students also face discrimination and harassment from peers and teachers who hold negative stereotypes of them. Moreover, Hazaras have been subjected to targeted attacks by terrorist groups like the Taliban and ISIS, resulting in loss of life and injuries. Nevertheless, Hazaras demonstrated their goodwill. They actively participated in national processes such as elections, civil society strengthening, sports, and education, showcasing their commitment to the new system. This article contributes to the study of the history of education in Afghanistan which lacks adequate analysis of education among minorities in Afghanistan like the Hazara people.

Two Decades of Civil Society Activism and Advocacy: Navigating the Labyrinth of the Development and Security Agenda in Southwestern Nigeria

In the last two decades of democratic governance in Nigeria, the civil society organizations (CSOs), which form a large group of vocational, social, political, cultural, educational, and religious volunteer activists, are reputed for building local capacity and advocating with and for the poor, with a relatively visible impact on policy and practice. This paper builds on existing literature concerning how the empirical realm of civil society, to which advocacy is most directly related, has been utilized within the three different components of a comprehensive advocacy strategy– transformational (citizen empowerment), developmental (civil society strengthening) and instrumental (policy influence). Drawing from the perspectives of multi-sectoral, territorial, and local approaches, the paper also examines how development partners, practitioners and researchers can actively enhance civil society's resilience and sustainability to influence pro-poor policies and promote the developmental agenda in southwestern Nigeria. It specifically focuses on the mechanism for connecting the objectives and resources developed by Nigeria's six southwestern states through their Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) commission at the regional level as they relate to the problems and priorities that apply at the rural community level where the majority of the citizens reside.

Canadian developmental assistance in Southeast Asia

ABSTRACT Canada has provided development cooperation funding to Southeast Asia since the 1950s, but lacked consistency over time. Aid priorities echoed wider Canadian foreign policy goals and trends in global development thought. Early stress on infrastructure and “basic needs” gave way to “civil society strengthening,” then to corporate partnerships. An early focus on aid to Malaysia shifted to Indonesia, then to Vietnam and the Philippines, and finally to democratizing Myanmar – a trend reversed since military rule. Canada was also briefly a leading donor to Timor-Leste. Government has relied heavily on non-governmental organizations to deliver aid to the region. As NGO freedom shifted into firmer government control, aid effectiveness and Canada’s reputation in the region have been harmed. A new shift within Canada’s “feminist international assistance policy” may herald a return to centering non-governmental voices. This article offers a historical overview of Canadian development assistance work in Southeast Asia. It argues that despite some success stories, changing priorities in Ottawa have hampered overall effectiveness. Canadian governments have too often undermined their own claims to seek long-term economic development through aid. Listening to civil society in Southeast Asia and stronger awareness of Southeast Asian priorities would create more effective aid outcomes.

Role of Education in Conflict Management in Afghanistan

Purpose: The study sought to analyze the role of education in conflict management in Afghanistan.
 Methodology: The study adopted a desktop methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.
 Findings: The results show that education plays an important role in conflict management. Education is used to promote human rights, strengthen civil society and foster greater respect for the rule of law. Education is used to promote understanding between different cultures and beliefs and to reduce the potential for violence. The Afghan government has implemented a number of initiatives to improve the access to quality education for all Afghans such as to promote peace and reconciliation between different ethnic and religious groups, and to create a sense of national identity. Education has been a powerful tool in promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan, and the Afghan government should continue to prioritize education in its efforts to bring lasting peace and prosperity to the country.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practices and Policies: The educational theory and cognitive theory may be used to anchor future studies in the conflict management sector. The study results will also benefit other stakeholders such as the policy makers as well as researchers and scholars from different parts of the world. The top management of conflict management sector in the country will also use the study findings to improve leadership performance in all their activities and programs. The study recommends that the adoption of effective conflict management policies in the leadership sector will help to improve efficiency in their major operations and activities.

Global Development by Public Participation: An Approach to Achieve SDGs

Research on public participation in the policy process often focuses on the localization and participation activities, and pay less attention to the empowerment of civil societies and their meaningful participation; what kind of institutional setups are required and what types of reforms are needed. To address these major gaps, this research theoretically illustrates that the presence of institutional setups that help to empower civil societies not only ensure meaningful involvement of civil societies in their development but also help to develop pressure on the governments to fulfill their commitments towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The goal of this study is to analyze in-depth the relationship between institutionalization of Participatory Development (PD) and SDGs. This study will help not only to understand the logic behind the emphasis on PD in the UN agenda 2030 but also to find out socio-political institutions that are required to make the relationship between PD and SDGs successful. To evaluate this relationship, I used comparative case study method. I developed theoretical framework to analyze the practical implications of incremental reforms in the socio-political setup of both case studies. After careful analysis, this research finds out the institutional setups that help to empower and strengthen civil society, are useful not only to institutionalize PD but also to achieve SDGs.

The Empowerment of Women Through Microfinance as Decision Maker and as a Development Participant of the Country

Micro-finance programmes not only give women and men access to savings and credit, but reach millions of people worldwide bringing them together regularly in organised groups. Although no ‘magic bullet’, they are potentially a very significant contribution to gender equality and women's empowerment, as well as pro-poor development and civil society strengthening. Through their contribution to women’s ability to earn an income these programmes have potential to initiate a series of ‘virtuous spirals’ of economic empowerment, increased well-being for women and their families and wider social and political empowerment. The two key systems for the release of financial services to such customers include ‘relationship-based banking’ for individual entrepreneurs and small businesses along with ‘group-based models’. Micro finance services and groups involving men also have potential to question and significantly change men's attitudes and behaviours as an essential component of achieving gender equality. The purpose of exploring the improvement in the status of economic life of women after accessing to Microfinance is studied.