POLSC221: Introduction to Comparative Politics

5.2: Civil Society

• Marc Bacani's "Civil Society Is" Page

  Watch this video. Civil society refers to all that goes on in public life, outside of institutions. Civil society includes interest groups, associations, nonprofit groups, and the media. While extra-institutional, these groups are integral to the political process.
  

• Coalition for One Nation: Teesta Setalvad's "Civil Society and Current Challenges to a United India" Page

  Watch this video in which Indian civil rights activist and journalist Teesta Setalvad discusses the obstacles to creating a culture of nonviolence in India. 
  

• The South African Civil Society Information Service: "The State of Civil Society in South Africa" Page

  Watch this video. Since the late 1990s, civil society groups have mobilized in South Africa to protest government corruption. In recent years, anti-corruption efforts have spread across the continent against political and corporate elites.

• 5.2.1: Social Movements and Activism

  • Common Dreams: Rae Abileah's "Grassroots Strategies for Creative Social Change" URL

    Read this article, which discusses the challenges of contemporary social movements.
    

  • Democracy Now: "Naomi Klein on the People's Climate March & the Global Grassroots Movement Fighting Fossil Fuels" URL

    Watch this video where author Naomi Klein posits the notion that a new generation of global activists is challenging the older, established environmental groups that have dominated advocacy efforts in the green movements over the past several decades.
    

• 5.2.2: Interest Groups

  • American Government and Politics in the Information Age: "Chapter 9: Interest Groups" URL

    Read this chapter. Interest groups are an essential component of a properly functioning government. However, many believe that interest groups are bad for democracy for their ability to wield outsized influence on public policy. Do you agree with this assessment? Why or why not?

• 5.2.3: Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

  • International NGO Journal: Ali Akbar Bromideh's "The Widespread Challenges of NGOs in Developing Countries: Case Studies From Iran" File

    Read this article. NGOs are a critical component of any civil society and are a growing worldwide phenomenon. However, they face many challenges including lack of funds, poor management, limited capacity, and political interference. What suggestions does Bromideh put forth to address these obstacles?