Read on Twitter
As a part of its commitment to bolstering democracy, the Biden admin wants to renew US support for #civilsociety around the world.
This is a welcome move. Some thoughts & recommendations, drawing on my 2019 @CarnegieDCG paper with Tom Carothers: https://carnegieendowment.org/2019/10/22/defending-civic-space-is-international-community-stuck-pub-80110
This is a welcome move. Some thoughts & recommendations, drawing on my 2019 @CarnegieDCG paper with Tom Carothers: https://carnegieendowment.org/2019/10/22/defending-civic-space-is-international-community-stuck-pub-80110
Responding to threats to civic freedoms globally, the Obama admin launched the Stand With Civil Society Inititative, with 3 parts:
modeling positive govt-civil society relations,
new funding & support programs,
multilateral diplomatic pressure. https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2015/06/24/support-defend-and-sustain%E2%80%99-relevance-us-response-closing-civic-space
modeling positive govt-civil society relations,new funding & support programs,multilateral diplomatic pressure. https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2015/06/24/support-defend-and-sustain%E2%80%99-relevance-us-response-closing-civic-space
Under Trump, many aid programs continued, but high-level US leadership & commitment disappeared. Any attempt at modeling was abandoned.
In fact, the US became an example of what *not* to do, e.g. domestic anti-protests laws have proliferated: https://www.icnl.org/usprotestlawtracker/
In fact, the US became an example of what *not* to do, e.g. domestic anti-protests laws have proliferated: https://www.icnl.org/usprotestlawtracker/
The global picture has also shifted: illiberal movements have grown; tech is playing a greater role in repression. Some govts have used the pandemic to further restrict civil society.
But: citizens around the world are still mobilizing for change. https://carnegieendowment.org/publications/interactive/protest-tracker
But: citizens around the world are still mobilizing for change. https://carnegieendowment.org/publications/interactive/protest-tracker
Globally, some factors have stymied more effective support for civil society:
No strategic clarity
Countervailing foreign policy interests
Responses too reactive & small-scale
Limited flexible funding for NGOs
Threats evolving quickly https://carnegieendowment.org/2019/10/22/defending-civic-space-is-international-community-stuck-pub-80110
No strategic clarity Countervailing foreign policy interests Responses too reactive & small-scale Limited flexible funding for NGOs Threats evolving quickly https://carnegieendowment.org/2019/10/22/defending-civic-space-is-international-community-stuck-pub-80110
What does this mean for Biden?
1) Elevate the issue. Stand with Civil Society effectively catalyzed high-level attention. But the US needs a stronger policy process for integrating civil society issues into interagency deliberations.
@TomicahTD's take: https://www.icnl.org/post/report/ten-ideas-for-governments-working-to-safeguard-civic-space
1) Elevate the issue. Stand with Civil Society effectively catalyzed high-level attention. But the US needs a stronger policy process for integrating civil society issues into interagency deliberations.
@TomicahTD's take: https://www.icnl.org/post/report/ten-ideas-for-governments-working-to-safeguard-civic-space
A better policy framework would not only match commitments with staffing & resources but also articulate how civil society relates to new global policy challenges & develop policy guidance that differentiates between reactive and forward-looking responses: https://carnegieendowment.org/2019/10/22/defending-civic-space-is-international-community-stuck-pub-80110
2) Work with allies. The US can learn from what other actors like Sweden & Canada have been doing, and find points of connection.
Some coordination forums (e.g. Community of Democracies) have proven less useful--others, like @opengovpart, have grown. https://www.opengovpartnership.org/stories/open-government-and-civic-space-virtuous-circle-motion/
Some coordination forums (e.g. Community of Democracies) have proven less useful--others, like @opengovpart, have grown. https://www.opengovpartnership.org/stories/open-government-and-civic-space-virtuous-circle-motion/
3) Engage CS directly. To start, the Biden admin can partner with civil society for its Democracy Summit - by involving groups in the planning process & ensuring they are full participants.
Tracey Gurd of @AJWS has some ideas: https://www.justsecurity.org/74259/on-bidens-planned-summit-humility-not-hubris-can-save-democracy/
Tracey Gurd of @AJWS has some ideas: https://www.justsecurity.org/74259/on-bidens-planned-summit-humility-not-hubris-can-save-democracy/
4) Return to modeling positive govt / civil society relations, including by institutionalizing consultations with civil society at home and abroad and by doubling down on domestic transparency and accountability:
See @digiphile: https://governing.digital/letters/letter-to-biden-white-house-on-open-government/
See @digiphile: https://governing.digital/letters/letter-to-biden-white-house-on-open-government/
These are just some initial ideas. Please add & share! @franceszbrown @SteveJFeldstein @abigail_bellows @SarahEYerkes @josephpowell @davesaldivar @nateschenkkan @AshleyQuarcoo @danmahanty