The role of non-governmental organizations in affecting national policies. (c2014)

Abstract

At a time when the theory of trans-nationalism has become most relevant, the 2011 “Arab Spring” stands as a turning point in the modern history of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. From Tunisia, to Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain and Syria, domestic policies can no longer remain the way they used to be in the past four decades. The current transitional period necessitates that Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), which played a major role in revolutions, take a more structured action and carry out a serious planning process to build a viable democracy for their repressed societies. This study focuses on the role of NGOs in shaping national policies in the MENA transitional context highlighting the various opportunities ahead of these NGOs, all while keeping in mind that the “Arab Spring” is still at its infancy stage. In transitional contexts, national policy decisions can be highly influenced by the role of local civil society organizations despite several limitations and challenges. However, this is not to suggest that these organizations, within the context of this study, have the capacity to be in full control of decision-making processes at the level of the state; whether in terms of domestic or foreign policies. They are rather one of the key players through their participation in the political, social, economic, and cultural causes. NGOs can be at the heart of any societal or political change, and are very much able to affect national domestic policies as well as foreign policies of a certain nation state. Moreover, the paper discusses in detail the definition of NGOs, types, rights and responsibilities, roles and domestic legislation. Tunisia and Egypt are the two main case studies assessed in this research paper. A literature review of this topic shows us that there have been several books, reports, articles, studies, lectures, courses and university programs about NGOs: their emergence, role, performance, successes and failures. However, this study will build upon the available literature and will try to introduce a new operational definition for NGOs in the MENA region post “Arab-Spring,” as well as contribute to the increasing knowledge about the impact of NGOs on national policies through discussing the relation between NGOs and state actors. Challenges, limitations, and opportunities will be discussed regarding the NGOs in the MENA region. Globalization context is the only framework that is common to the study of NGOs in general. Assessing the achievements of NGOs in the region will be based on approaches that have previously been discussed and argued by which qualitative and quantitative tools should be used. Capacity building is the mainly argued solution for these problems on three main levels: organizational, financial, and technological. The study highlights the actual participation of NGOs in good governance, capacity building and institutional effectiveness, conflict resolution and peace building, as well as lobbying capacity and participation in elections. Given these various challenges and limitations, this thesis will conclude with assessing the efficient tools that will measure the actual effect of NGOs‟ participation in shaping internal and external regulations, given the differences in their aspirations and expectations.