Book Information

Synopsis

This book examines the ways in which nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) contribute to the development and maintenance of global civil society. Basing his argument on the contention that "people make politics," the author investigates eight NGOs and connects their organizational activities to global civil society's dynamics and processes.

In constructing an analytical framework for understanding global civil society, the author reviews traditional understandings of civil society, integrates these with a classical theoretical approach that places people at the center of world politics, and conceptualizes global civil society in terms of three elemental characteristics: dynamism, inclusiveness, and cognizance. This framework is then used to present case studies that evaluate the roles of the Internet and of environmental and developmental NGOs in an age of globalization.

Author

Craig Warkentin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at the State University of New York, Oswego.

Reviews

"Highly recommended for students in a variety of international relations courses, from the introductory to the advanced levels."
— Charles W. Kegley, Peace Professor of International Relations, University of South Carolina

"With the end of the Cold War there is a welcome return to non-realist approaches to international relations. Warkentin studies the role of NGOs and the Internet in creating international civil society. He describes the dynamism, inclusiveness, and reflective understanding of the political goals (what he calls cognizance) of eight NGOs and their broader contribution to international civil society."
— Peter M. Haas, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

"This book is a useful compilation for anyone interested in how...NGOs see themselves or in the details of their operations. It would be an appropriate supplementary text for courses on international affairs and globalization."
— International Affairs

Awards

Reshaping World Politics was awarded the 2002 Chadwick F. Alger Prize by the International Studies Association.

Samples

Sample chapters and ordering information are available on the Rowman & Littlefield website.