Civil Society Participation in European and Global Governance (Hardback)
- A Cure for the Democratic Deficit?

Beskrivelser af Civil Society Participation in European and Global Governance

Forlagets beskrivelse

It is often argued that the enhanced consultation of civil society contributes to the democratization of European and global governance. This collection investigates whether this theoretical argument is supported by empirical evidence. Ten original essays analyze current patterns of civil society consultation in 32 intergovernmental organizations. 8 tables, 1 figure

Bibliotekernes beskrivelse

In comparison to the democratic nation state, the institutions of European and global governance clearly suffer from a democratic deficit. Many have argued that the increased participation of civil society in international governance may be a cure for this democratic deficit and this collection investigates whether this argument is supported by empirical evidence. Ten original essays use comparative research to analyze current patterns of civil society consultation in thirty-two intergovernmental organizations and regimes, including the European Union. In particular, chapters examine problems of access, transparency, responsiveness and inclusion. The study concludes that civil society consultation holds much promise for rectifying the democratic deficit but that most institutional arrangements in their current form fall short of realizing their democratizing potential.