If we enquire into the fact that a vibrant civil society is a necessary condition for the formation of a liberal democracy, we will first of all require a clear notion of the key elements that constitute the vibrancy of a civil society. Apart from this initial clarification, one need to disprove that a flourishing civil society can undermine or even prevent the emergence of liberal democracy. Can we really form such a categorical thesis? Above all, a vibrant civil society has to promote developments which one characterizes as fundamentally democratic since otherwise it would be inappropriate to speak of an interrelation between civil society and liberal democracy. In the course of this work, I aim both to illustrate the necessity of a vibrant civil society and to show that there are other indispensable factors which a state has to fulfil in order to become a genuine liberal democracy. Considering the diversity of notions of a civil society, I will mainly focus on the distinction between the three models proposed by Michael Edwards, which are civil society as “associational life”, as the “good society” and as the “public sphere” (Edwards, 2009). At the same time, this clarification serves to contrast the idea of civil society to the more universal term of social capital which comprises social interaction in its totality and is employed to give it a measurable value. So what are the integral parts of a civil society that we could consider favourable to liberal democracy?
If we enquire into the fact that a vibrant civil society is a necessary condition for the formation of a liberal democracy, we will first of all require a clear notion of the key elements that constitute the vibrancy of a civil society. Apart from this initial clarification, one need to disprove that a flourishing civil society can undermine or even prevent the emergence of liberal democracy. Can we really form such a categorical thesis? Above all, a vibrant civil society has to promote developments which one characterizes as fundamentally democratic since otherwise it would be inappropriate to speak of an interrelation between civil society and liberal democracy. In the course of this work, I aim both to illustrate the necessity of a vibrant civil society and to show that there are other indispensable factors which a state has to fulfil in order to become a genuine liberal democracy. Considering the diversity of notions of a civil society, I will mainly focus on the distinction between the three models proposed by Michael Edwards, which are civil society as “associational life”, as the “good society” and as the “public sphere” (Edwards, 2009). At the same time, this clarification serves to contrast the idea of civil society to the more universal term of social capital which comprises social interaction in its totality and is employed to give it a measurable value. So what are the integral parts of a civil society that we could consider favourable to liberal democracy?
When Benjamin Barber speaks about civil society as “a third and independent domain” (Barber, 1998, p. 47), he alludes to the importance of a vibrant civil society in its role as an opposition force to a country’s ruling powers of market and government. But does such an opposite pole necessarily entail reinforcement or even formation of values that characterize a liberal democracy? Although this claim might convey, at its core, a correct message, the general formulation makes it certainly inaccurate. Hence, we should rather concentrate on analysing the underlying principles and ideas of a civil society in its significance for a liberal democracy. Now the time has come to substantiate the term liberal democracy which refers to “a political system marked not only by free and fair elections but also by the rule of law, a separation of powers, and the protection of basic liberties of speech, assembly, religion and property” (Zakaria, 2007, p.17). This distinguished definition of liberal democracy will serve us as a model in order to establish a precise interrelationship between a vibrant civil society and a liberal democracy. Thus, we will examine certain characteristic aspects of civil society that directly provoke a country’s being a liberal democracy.
To take up the initial point, one can note that most basically individuals get engaged in two opposite spheres, the public and the private. The public sphere comprises the citizen’s
political participation by means of election of representatives or public expression, whereas
Frequently asked questions
What is the central argument of the text?
The text argues that a vibrant civil society is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for the formation of a liberal democracy. It explores the relationship between civil society and liberal democracy, examining how a flourishing civil society can support or undermine democratic development.
How does the text define liberal democracy?
The text defines liberal democracy as "a political system marked not only by free and fair elections but also by the rule of law, a separation of powers, and the protection of basic liberties of speech, assembly, religion and property." (Zakaria, 2007, p.17)
What are the three models of civil society mentioned in the text?
The text references Michael Edwards' three models of civil society: civil society as "associational life," as the "good society," and as the "public sphere" (Edwards, 2009).
What is the role of civil society according to Benjamin Barber?
According to Benjamin Barber, civil society acts as "a third and independent domain" that serves as an opposition force to the ruling powers of market and government (Barber, 1998, p. 47).
What happens when a civil society is absent or suppressed?
The text argues that the lack of a functioning civil society can lead to despotic authoritarianism, as illustrated by the example of Vladimir Putin's leadership in Russia, where opposition was crushed and media stifled.
How does a vibrant civil society empower individuals?
A vibrant civil society empowers individuals by providing a space independent of their roles as economic subjects or political decision-makers, where they can interact peacefully, productively, and mutually enrich each other.
What is the relationship between the public and private spheres in the context of civil society?
Civil society acts as a bridge between the private sphere (economic activity as consumers) and the public sphere (political participation), offering a space for common activities focused neither on profit nor on welfare services.
How is the term "social capital" related to civil society?
The text contrasts the idea of civil society with the broader term "social capital," which encompasses all social interaction and is often used in a measurable way. Civil society focuses specifically on aspects favorable to liberal democracy.
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- Alexander Borodin (Author), 2011, What constitutes civil Society as a crucial cornerstone of liberal Democracy? , Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/200023
