Handbook of Civil Society and Social Movements in Small States

This book focuses on small states, which have particular characteristics such as limited ability to reap the benefits of economies of scale, high exposure to forces outside their control, and proximity of politicians to the voters, leading to clientelistic relationships and patronage networks. It also highlights the high environmental vulnerability of small island developing states and the disproportionate ecological footprints of some. The volume is organized in three parts, dealing with civil society and social movements in the political, social, and environmental spheres. Civil society is associated with organized groups operating in the interest of citizens, including various forms of non-governmental organizations. Social movements are considered to be loosely organized collective campaigns in pursuit of social goals.

Format: Hardback
Length: 382 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book is a valuable resource for scholars,students and practitioners interested in understanding the dynamics of civil society and social movements in small states. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the factors that influence these organizations and movements,including political,social,economic and environmental factors. The book also offers insights into the challenges and opportunities that small states face in developing and implementing effective policies and strategies for promoting civil society and social movements.
This volume stands out for its exclusive focus on small states, a category that has received relatively limited scholarly attention compared to civil society and social movements. While numerous studies have been conducted on these topics, none have specifically delved into the unique characteristics and challenges faced by small states. As is widely recognized, small states possess distinct features, such as limited access to economies of scale, heightened exposure to external forces, and a close proximity between politicians and voters, often resulting in clientelistic relationships and patronage networks. Additionally, small island developing states face the added challenge of heightened environmental vulnerability, coupled with disproportionate ecological footprints. These factors significantly impact the organization and functioning of civil society organizations and social movements, as explored in several chapters of this book.

The volume is structured into three parts, each addressing different aspects of civil society and social movements in small states within the political, social, and environmental domains. Various definitions of civil society are presented throughout the chapters, with most authors associating the term with organized groups that operate independently of government and commercial interests, encompassing a wide range of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Civil society also encompasses social movements, which are loosely organized collective efforts aimed at achieving social goals. While these two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, some authors argue that social movements tend to involve more contentious politics, including protests, while NGOs adopt more organized and institutional approaches.

This book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and practitioners interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the dynamics of civil society. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the factors that shape civil society and social movements in small states, encompassing political, social, economic, and environmental dimensions. The book also offers insightful perspectives on the challenges and opportunities that small states encounter in developing and implementing effective policies and strategies for fostering civil society and social movements. By examining the unique experiences and challenges faced by small states, this book contributes to the growing body of knowledge on these important topics and offers valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars alike.

Weight: 910g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032377148