Democratic Governance and Actors’ Conceptualization of “Civil Society” in Africa: State–Civil Society Relations in Ghana from 1982–2000

Atibil, Christiana

doi:10.1007/s11266-011-9242-0

Cited by 12 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…Considering NGOs in the shadow of neoliberalism, it is disputable that these institutions (international NGOs which give support to local African NGOs) are transformative antisystem systems that are a "corrective" add-on to the African political economy [60,61]. However, although political consent is widened in the sphere of international NGOs, [62] rightly observes that rather than these institutions purporting to "speak up", exclusions have been reinforced. For instance, such reinforcements can be perceived in anti-NGO laws which continue to be adopted.…”

Section: Inclusive Electoral Processesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Harbinger of Democracies? The Role of NGOs in Driving Democracy in Africa

Fisseha

2024

Non-Governmental Organizations - Role and Performance in Turbulent Times

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The interest between civil society groups and democracy in developing countries is not a new phenomenon. Today, as part of civil societies, NGOs are dominant in the African market, acting as ‘gap fillers’ as well as driving democratic efforts in these countries. By considering the multifaceted relationship between NGOs and governments in developing countries, this chapter critically discusses attempts by NGOs to drive democracy in African autocratic regimes. NGOs are alleged to be ‘compradors’ and drive democracy through moral rehabilitation of imperialist regimes. NGOs are active parties used by international observers in ensuring credible elections. However, some scholars have argued that NGO are active ‘re-colonizers’ in the twenty-first century as they bid the will of Western regimes to attain funding. As such, NGOs are explicated through external domination of African regimes and not necessarily driving democratization. In exploration of this topic, a mixed methods research design has been designed, underpinned by the fundamental tenets of a pragmatism philosophical position.

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Section: Inclusive Electoral Processesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Harbinger of Democracies? The Role of NGOs in Driving Democracy in Africa

Fisseha

2024

Non-Governmental Organizations - Role and Performance in Turbulent Times

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“…With that being said, several valuable regional studies do exist, however; in Southern Africa (Moyo, 2004; Wilkinson-Maposa et al, 2006), North Africa (Daly, 2007), and East Africa (Ngondi-Houghton, 2005). To these might be added notable country studies from Ghana (Arhin, 2016; Atibil, 2012; Whitfield, 2003), Kenya (Mati, 2020), and South Africa (Everatt & Solanki, 2005; E. J. Friedman et al, 2005).…”

Section: The Bifurcation Of Civil Society and Philanthropy In Africamentioning

confidence: 99%

Civil Society and Philanthropy in Africa: Parallels, Paradoxes and Promise

Obadare

Krawczyk

2021

Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly

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Civil society and philanthropy in Africa are regularly theorized in formal terms and oft perceived as inherently democratizing forces. Yet, existing evidence exposes the limitations of these assumptions. This article provides an introduction to the symposium issue on civil society and philanthropy in Africa. The objective of the introduction, and the articles contained in the symposium, is to examine important questions related to civil society and philanthropy on the continent: What is the complex history and role of civil society and philanthropy in Africa? How have donor dependence and professionalization affected the effectiveness of the third sector? What are the contours of the relationship between the state and civil society? We ask these crucial questions in an attempt to provide a more nuanced and contextualized understanding of civil society and philanthropy on the continent.

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“…Atilbil (2012) argues that state-society relations depend on various factors, including the availability of resources, the historical development of civil-society and the blurred boundaries between the public and the private realms. State-society relations are also influenced by the understanding of the concept -'civil society' (Atibil 2012).…”

Section: What Is Civil Society?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Brittle Democracies: Comparing Politics in Anglophone Africa

Suhr,

Sadie,

Graham

et al. 2020

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This book compares the progress ten select countries, all former colonies of Britain, have made towards the practice of democracy. The authors assess a range of indicators including the quality of elections, the impact of voter turnout, the importance of term limits, civil society’s various responsibilities, the presence of media freedoms, the impact of youth participation, accountability and the rising role of social media. These findings help illustrate the various periods within each country’s democracy from the immediate post-colonial experience, to the emergence of one-party states, to the surge of multi-party elections that are being influenced by key political figures and technology. This book will be of great interest to a broad readership including students of politics, international relations and history at tertiary educational institutions as well as the wider readership that is keen to understand what has shaped the post-colonial political experience of some key Anglophone African countries.

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Democratic Governance and Actors’ Conceptualization of “Civil Society” in Africa: State–Civil Society Relations in Ghana from 1982–2000

Abstract: Despite civil society'

Cited by 12 publications

References 22 publications

Harbinger of Democracies? The Role of NGOs in Driving Democracy in Africa

Harbinger of Democracies? The Role of NGOs in Driving Democracy in Africa

Civil Society and Philanthropy in Africa: Parallels, Paradoxes and Promise

Brittle Democracies: Comparing Politics in Anglophone Africa

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