Research within this programme aimed to improve understanding of the potential for civic action and local self-organization in different kinds of societies and political regimes around the world. This, in turn, should clarify thinking about the concept of civil society.

The need to strengthen civil society has become a truism within the development debate - something that can be stated without further analysis or discussion. But civil society is a complex of different forms of organization, developing within specific contexts. Placing too great a faith in civil society, vaguely defined, glosses over important differences between non-governmental organizations, grassroots organizations, social movements and other forms of civic action. It also ignores an array of problems inherent in local politics and social relations.

This UNRISD programme encouraged a critical review of the concept of civil society, based on new research. It analysed some important contemporary social movements, in which alliances are increasingly forged across classes and continents. It also attempted to improve understanding of various forms of local self-organization oriented toward defending or improving access to resources, income and services. And, following the evolution of the non-governmental sector, it explored the challenges inherent in the triangular relation between the international development community, non-governmental organizations and national governments.

Research projects from this Programme Area are listed on the right.