Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Modern Research in Social Sciences, 2024
Year: 2024
DOI:
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The Civil Society – The Foundation of the Democratic Political System
Prof. Jelena Trajkovska-Hristovska PhD
ABSTRACT:
The term civil society is a complex, elastic, a “chameleon” term. Civil society categorically and conceptually represents a special political phenomenon. Its determination and definition impose the need to analyze various aspects related to it. Although ambiguity surrounds this concept and there is no universal definition, it is essential to consider it thoroughly. Its determination requires a comparative political review of the basic premises and postulates on which this political category is based. This paper will provide a theoretical review of the issues related to civil society and its significance to the political system. Issues about the relationship between civil society and interest groups and lobby groups will also be analyzed.In a separate part of the paper, social movements will be elaborated as a special form of collective action.In order to present a clear picture of civil society, a special review will be given to the analysis of non-governmental organizations, as well as the elements that are conditio sine qua non for their determination.
keywords: civil society, social movements, interest groups, non-governmental organizations