The associational counter-revolution : the spread of restrictive civil society laws in the world's strongest democratic states / by Chrystie Flourney Swiney, JD,MA, MPhil.
Based on author's thesis (doctoral - Georgetown University, 2020). Includes bibliographical references and index.
Contents:
Introduction -- The Associational Revolution -- The Associational Counter-Revolution -- Explaining the Associational Counter-Revolution in the World's Strongest Democratic States -- Mapping the Spread of Restrictive CSO Laws in the World's Strongest Democratic States -- Implications of the Associational Counter-Revolution -- Conclusion -- Appendices.
Summary:
In an increasing number of countries around the globe, representing all regime types, in all regions, with all levels of economic and military strength, civil society's autonomy from the state, its defining feature, is diminishing. While a variety of tools are used to restrict civil society organizations' (CSOs) independence from the state, an increasingly popular and dangerously effective vehicle for accomplishing this goal is the law. Through the passage of legislation that imposes new restrictions on the ability of CSOs to operate free from excessive government scrutiny and control, governmental actors are gaining greater control over the non-governmental sector and in ways that benefit from the veneer of legality. Perplexingly, such laws are not only appearing in countries where they might be expected - Azerbaijan, Burundi, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Russia, Zimbabwe, and countries throughout the Middle East. Indeed, they are increasingly appearing in democratic states too, including strong, fully consolidated democratic states with historically strong and independent civil society sectors: Canada, India, New Zealand, Spain, Israel, Hungary, Poland, and the US, to name just a few. Restrictive CSO laws, which are unsurprising in authoritarian-leaning states, are uniquely puzzling in the context of democratic ones, which have been the primary defenders, funders, and champions of a robust and independent civil society. This book explores this concerning and intriguing phenomenon by documenting its full scope and spread within the world's strongest democratic states and attempting to explain its occurrence. Using a combination of mixed methods - theory, process tracing, interviews, and statistical analysis - this timely analysis helps to shed light on a global phenomenon that seems to be fueling the democratic backsliding visible in an increasing number of democracies throughout the world.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.