Larry DiamondThinkers

Civil society 1s 2unction is to carry out functions such as election monitoring....

Civil society 1s 2unction is to disseminate information.

Civil society 1s 2unction is to generate a wide range of cross-cutting interests thereby reducing political polarity.

Civil society 1s 2unction is to help effect a transition from clientelism to citizenship at the local level.

Civil society 1s 2unction is to help to achieve economic reform in new democracies by disseminating information and neutralizing resistance to economic reforms.

Civil society 1s 2unction is to help to promote a democratic political culture.

Civil society 1s 2unction is to limit, control and monitor state power on the one hand, and on the other hand, to complement and improve the state by enhancing its democratic legitimacy and effectiveness.

Civil society 1s 2unction is to offer services and develop techniques of conflict mediation and resolution.

Civil society 1s 2unction is to recruit and train new political leaders.

Civil society 1s 2unction is to stimulate political participation and promote democratic skills amongst the population.

Civil society 1s 2unction is to strengthen community initiatives thereby relieving the burden on the state.

Civil society 1s 2unction is to structure multiple channels, beyond parties, for articulating, aggregating and representing interests.