Civil Society, Political Stability and Peace-Building in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka: A Comparative Study

Z. R. M. Abdullah Kaiser ()
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Z. R. M. Abdullah Kaiser: University of Chittagong

Chapter 27 in Building Sustainable Communities, 2020, pp 547-569 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract This chapter provides a comparative analysis of the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in political stability and peace-building in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. It also highlights the difficulties they face while performing their functions. CSOs strive to contribute to political stability and peace-building processes, among other things, through its advocacy work, informal diplomacy and addressing politics with popular mobilization. Evidence shows that the CSOs in Bangladesh give more emphasis on conflict resolution through negotiation, popularizing awareness-raising programmes and encouraging public participation. In contrast, Sri Lankan CSOs are mostly concerned with addressing ethnic divides and public opinion with education and awareness-raising programmes, as well as economic issues through reconstruction and development and cross-ethnic dialogue. However, deep divisions can be found among CSOs in both countries. While CSOs in Bangladesh divide more along party/political lines, those in Sri Lanka are largely ethnically divided. In both countries, CSOs have been weakened due to their willingness to accept political patronization, their lack of ability to challenge state power, when needed, and, in some cases, (harsh) conditions set by donor agencies and international organizations.

Keywords: Civil society; Advocacy work; Awareness-raising; Political stability; Peace-building (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-981-15-2393-9_27

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DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-2393-9_27

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