EU Civil Society

doi:10.1057/9781137500724

Cited by 12 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Nonetheless, CUCS needs to share a political environment with institutionalised progressive associations that express different values and have undergone a different trajectory. A different type of institutionalisation concerns progressive civil society, for which institutionalisation takes place within the dominant ideological and organisational system of EU governance (Ruzza, 2015). In their institutionalisation, they also face dilemmas related to the conflict between retaining their critical stances, which is a defining feature of civil society, but acquiring and retaining sufficient access and legitimacy (Alexander, 1998).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The institutionalisation of populist political discourse and conservative uncivil society in the European Union: From the margins to the mainstream?

Ruzza

2021

Nordicom Review

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This article analyses the ideational features of conservative civil society groups at EU level and compares them to progressive groups. Through a frame analysis of the textual materials of these two types of organisations, I examine their reactions to the success of populist formations in several European member states and at EU level. I argue that the long-established EU ethos of fostering progressive civil society is undergoing a redefinition, which impacts their strategies. I posit that in a changing political climate, EU institutions are less interested in some of the contributions progressive civil society offers, such as its contributions to public deliberation, governance, and the legitimacy of the EU. Progressive civil society reacts to the threat of a loss of standing and attempts to retain its historical centrality, legitimacy, and access. In contrast, conservative civil society groups seek to establish themselves in a political environment previously off-limits to them.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%