International Social Work

Abstract

In the past 20 years or so there were major transformations of political and socioeconomic systems in different parts of the world never thought possible. Foremost has been the fall of once omnipotent regimes that controlled all aspects of life of those they governed. These regimes included the totalitarian governments of the Soviet bloc and the military dictatorships of many Latin American and some Asian and African countries. Over the years, these hegemonic establishments began to crumble. The impetus for change came largely from citizens clamoring for an end to authoritarian rule. The experiences of such citizen-led demonstrations (as in Poland, East Germany and the Philippines) strengthened the claim for a stronger role for civil society in bringing about peaceful and substantial change. Civil society is defined here to mean the sphere of society outside government and business: it includes a multitude of groups, organizations and associations that participate in public life (