This book provides an in-depth analysis of the way that Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) define their roles within multilateral institutions, both at the global level and, more specifically, within the European Union framework. The author argues that the use of conceptual categories such as global civil society and global governance is necessary to explain what is currently happening in the international political system in this era of globalisation.
The argument is built on the premise that CSOs are significant actors for democratic change in the architecture of world politics, standing out for their capacity to aggregate a varied range of political demands, particularly in waging high-level political/legal campaigns within more closely structured networks and in autonomous forums during major United Nations conferences. On a worldwide level, CSOs are gaining recognition for their political impact, above and beyond formal consultative status.
This book shows that the European Union, as a laboratory of innovative multi-level governance, offers many opportunities for CSOs participation, recognising them as an important part of the democratic process.