Building civil societies in east central Europe: The effect of American nongovernmental organizations on women's Groups

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2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Since the collapse of communism, East Central Europe has been a laboratory for democratic experimentation. On several fronts, the experiment appears to have been a great success. While many have described this historical transformation, too little has been written about the role of international actors in this process. This is surprising given the number of external actors, particularly American nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). The article examines the relationship between American NGOs and women's groups in Hungary, Poland and Russia. It argues that although American NGOs have had discrete positive effects on certain groups and individuals, the strategies employed by these groups may have actually hindered the success of the very goals they pursued. Employing the concept of a domestic advocacy network, the article explains the importance of elite support, contextually rooted organizations and ideas that resonate with local conditions and culture.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationCivil Society in Democratization
PublisherFrank Cass
Pages247-269
Number of pages23
ISBN (Print)0203493788, 9780203493786
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 26 2004

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Social Sciences

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