Globalization, NGOs and multi-sectoral relations

This paper seeks to make sense of the impact of globalisation on non-profit, non-governmental organisations. The authors argue that globalisation processes have contributed to the rising numbers and influence of NGOs in many countries, and particularly in the international arena. Brown et al. describe the new force at Seattle of 1,300 NGOs in shaping global governance in a highly visible manner. They question whether this blossoming is coincident with globalisation or whether the processes of globalisation themselves stimulate these new forms of organisation. Similarly, their impact on globalisation, or on the extent to which citizen interests are met, is not yet clear.

Initiatives launched by NGOs - such as the Grameen bank in Bangladesh; the Narmada Bachao Andolan in India; the International Coalition to Ban Landmines; or the CSO-WHO efforts to restrict babyfood sales - have achieved not only national, but also international visibility. The questions that arise around such actions are: How are the networks organised - internationally or transnationally as networks or social movements, with what dynamics with an impact on local and national NGOs? How representative are CSO networks?·Do CSOs increase democratic accountability of global governance institutions?·What resources are supporting the growth of transnational CSO networks How has globalisation expanded the political space for CSO activity and with what impact on values?·How have the casualties of globalisation strengthened the role of international organisations in emergency relief and service delivery?

The authors observe that CSO networks have identified problems or consequences of globalisation that may have been ignored; articulated norms and values in the process; disseminated social innovation; negotiated resolutions to transnational conflicts; and mobilised resources to act on public problems. They note the difficulty states have in isolating CSOs from information, and the powerful nexus of social values and external resource inflows in stimulating civil society voice. The international links made by CSOs are noted to be top down and bottom up. For example indigenous people's movements have sought international allies, while human rights or environmental advocacy networks may have been launched by international NGOs.

(Condensed from WHO/TARSC)