Civil Society and Democratisation
- Civil society is an interesting concept to work on when linked to processes of democratisation for it accounts for democratisation for the people, by the people
- However, it is useful to deconstruct the common view of civil society, often ethnocentric and idealistic
- Facts show a strong dichotomy between the liberalisation and democratisation phases of processes of democratisation, when civil society is mobilised and very active, and the phase of consolidation, often characterised by a leadership of the elites and a weakness of civil society, whereas this crucial moment should be characterised by the mobilisation of civil society
Civil Society organisations are responsible to explain the processes of democratisation, ever since the fall of the wall, and the collapse of the Communist regime in Central and Eastern Europe. Civil Society organisations have often been seen as the key for the success of the 'Velvet Revolution', that avoided civil war in Central Europe, not to name the famous Polish trade union 'Solidarnoc'. Generally, the Civil Society is at the centre of western democratic issues, when considering how to enhance the representative democracies. But we generally accept the role of the Civil Society and never deeply question it.
NGOs: Representing civil society at the WTO?
«Introduction.. The legal framework for participation.. Vagueness of Article V 2 of the Marrakech Agreement.. The guidelines for WTO-NGO interaction created two years later.. Active participation of NGOs in WTO activities: Is it not enough.. A call to democratize the World Trade Organization.. NGO's...»
«In 1994, the Marrakech Agreement established the World Trade Organization (WTO), one of many suprastate institutions that were created all along the 20th century. The purpose of this organization is to regulate all trade activities between its Member states, by providing "the common institutional...»
The European Union's Policy in African, Caribbean and Pacific Countries: Towards an Effective...
«Introduction.. The EU and its ACP countries' policy: A long path towards democratisation.. A historical perspective: Towards the Yaounde Conventions.. From a trade relationship ( Lome I and II) to more democratisation (Lome III and IV).. Political conditionality and democratisation.. The principle...»
«"Since 1992, the European Community has included in all its agreements with third countries a clause defining respect for human rights and democracy as 'essential elements' in the EU's relationship. This clause is unique in bilateral agreements. This approach has been further developed in the...»
Does the viewing of slasher films empower female viewers?
«Introduction. The representation of women in films. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre film. Portwood-Stacer. Prom Night. The concept of revenge. Conclusion.»
«Throughout recent decades, the graphic violence of slasher films has become increasingly controversial. The horror slasher genre has become one of the most controversial film categories, receiving attention for the skillful and artful way these movies become emotion roller coasters (poised between...»
The working class before the First World War
«Introduction. First World War. The process of industrialization. Major innovations across Europe. La Vie tragique des tavailleurs. Conclusion.»
«The places the working class came from were often characterized by a high level of trade unions and a large amount of strikes. However, only a small part of workers used to be involved in working-class organisations at this time. People of the working-class are those who have no other way to...»