global civil society

Many authors use “global” to mean increasing interdependence that pushes political opportunities, mobilizing structures, framing processes, and collective action beyond national borders. In practice this means movements and civil-society actors operate across states and through transnational networks rather than only within a single country’s political context.

Case studies document diverse forms of transnational solidarity: grassroots cooperation across parties and associations, symbolic gestures (for example, flying another country’s flag in support), and more specialized or fragmented solidarity efforts that focus on particular causes or professional roles.

The studies draw on cases from a wide range of countries, including Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, China, Colombia, Kenya, the Netherlands, and the United States.

Researchers report an indeterminate link: some types of civil-society organizations support democracy while others can undermine it, and democratic transitions often depend on effective political parties, legislatures, and state institutions.

The selection includes both paperback and hardcover formats, with page counts ranging from 208 pages up to 552 pages.