This paper examines how national NGOs operating in conflict-affected or transitional regions generate and maintain legitimacy. It considers the experience of NGOs in three such contexts – Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT). The paper argues that existing accounts...

Introduction: What are non-governmental organizations? -- Understanding NGOs in historical context -- NGOs and development theory -- NGOs and development : from alternative to mainstream? -- NGO roles in contemporary development practice -- NGOs and civil society -- NGOs and globalization --...