Global Civil Society and International Society

Abstract

The use of the concept of “global civil society” (GCS) acknowledges the intensifying role of non-state civic actors in world politics and expresses the emergence of a unique social sphere transcending national boundaries. Extensive literatures strive to suggest conceptualizations and assessments of the actual and desired effects of GCS. Nevertheless, relatively little attention has been given to the interplay between the emerging sphere of a GCS and the traditional sphere of international or interstate interactions. This article examines the idea of GCS through an exploration of the conceptual interplay between the notions of GCS and the interstate system. It presents a typology of three possible ideal-type relations: (1) GCS as replacement of statist features of the international system; (2) GCS as opposition to the state system; and (3) GCS as subsidiary organ to the international society. From a perspective informed by the English School of international relations theory, the article argues that the enhanced role of GCS in world politics is a result of international society’s attempts to adapt interstate rules and practices to the context of globalization.

Citizenship Education for Adults for Sustainable Democratic Societies

“…In the study, participants who stated that they did not have problems communicating with people and official institutions adopted the idea of combating rights violations, but they again avoided carrying out this behavior and preferred to follow the course of events. However, not only national societies, but also the international community, should assume responsibility for the realization of contemporary democratic concepts and should serve as an educational and socializing force, providing education on democracy, citizenship and statism [50]. Only in this way can it really contribute to the development of democracy in adults who feel safe in a sustainable democratic society.…”

Civil Society at the United Nations Through the Lens of Organizational Sociology: Exclusion and Temporariness

“…However, despite the empirical and theoretical contributions pointing to a growing presence of CSOs in IOs, their objective and subjective inclusion remains relative (Mitrani 2013). Building on IR literature on the one hand, and the contribution of the sociology of organization on the other I draw on the concept of temporary organizations to answer an overarching question: Could CSOs' relative inclusion be understood by investigating the nature of CSO as an organization at the UN?…”

A master institution of world society? Digital communications networks and the changing dynamics of transnational contention

“…For example, in her discussion on the relationship between global civil society (GSC) and international society, Mitrani cautions us from depicting the former as an autonomous force that operates on its own right free from constraints of governmental and economic actors and instead to view it as a subsidiary organ of the society of states. 40 Similarly, what Brenninkmeijer calls multinational communication accommodates business and civil society partnerships, but it ultimately remains the subject of international society directives (i.e. the United Nations and great power management) and is said to reinforce diplomatic practice and international law.…”