This concluding essay frames the actual and potential role of civil society actors in terms of institutional theory, complemented by Gramscian thought. Global finance is conceived as an institutionalized field in need of structural change triggered by institutional entrepreneurs. Reviewing the...

Despite acknowledging the need for nurturing democracy from within, democracy assistance programmes have often been carried out in a top-down fashion. By starting from the limits of democracy assistance, this article outlines the notion of micro-assistance to democracy, which can be defined as...

Humanitarian intervention is always controversial, especially if it involves the use of repressive measures, be it through military means or sanctions. The human security approach undoubtedly provides an interesting blueprint for the EU to improve coherence in its external action, as it is...

People are finding new ways to get involved in public life and decision making - marking a shift from representative democracy to what is often called participatory democracy. Ironically, doubts about accountability and transparency - which made up the traditional critique of global governance...

Foreign actors have always influenced political changes in developing countries. During the Cold War, for instance, Western governments extensively promoted their political and economic interests in areas as various as Latina America, Africa and Asia, often by opposing democratically elected...

Despite acknowledging the need for nurturing democracy from within, democracy assistance programmes have often been carried out in a top-down fashion. By starting from the limits of democracy assistance, this article outlines the notion of micro-assistance to democracy, which can be defined as...

What is the European Union (EU) for South Africa? What is the perception that elites and citizens have of the EU and its role in world politics? How do civil society organizations view the EU? And what is the media coverage of the EU? This report attempts to answer those questions by drawing...

What is the European Union (EU) for India? What is the perception that political elites have of the EU and its role in world politics? How do civil society organizations view the EU? And what is the media coverage of the EU in Indian newspapers? This report attempts to answer those questions by...

The Responsible Competitiveness Index is increasingly used by investment banks and global retailers to guide their investment and purchasing decisions. 'The report demonstrates the practical potential of responsible competitiveness strategies to deliver trade and investment', says Pascal Lamy,...

During the last ten years of apartheid rule, civil society organizations gradually became the privileged partners of the European Community’s support to democratization in South Africa. In order to avoid direct politicization of its activity in the country, the European Commission primarily...