Civil Society Organizations in Failing States: The Red Cross in Bosnia and Albania

In: International peacekeeping, Band 11, Heft 4, S. 664-682

Abstract

Civil society building has become a central element of democratization programs in regions under international administration such as Bosnia & in other countries affected by civil strife. This article explores the preconditions of civil society building, notably the preconditions for the functioning of state institutions & for a stable social order. It argues that state failure & social anomie may constitute major obstacles to civil society building in so far as they restrict the public space in which citizens may organize the common good in a universal & democratic manner. Adapted from the source document.