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Civil society - a key element of the post-cold war zeitgeist
Triffonova, Elena |
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| The fall of the Berlin War and the endeavors of Central and Eastern Europe countries to construct or reconstruct civil society as part of the liberation of their national illustrates the importance attached to the idea. The global tendency towards democracy further raised the significance of civil society in the transition of post-socialist countries. Since the 1990’s, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have emerged in every post-socialist country as an important force working to democratize the decision-making process, protect human rights and provide essential services to the most needy. Traditionally, civil society is conceived of as an essential condition of democracy. Some arguments come close to seeing civil society and citizenship as the defining conditions of democracy. In fact, civil society is only one component of democracy, albeit an important one. |
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