Anastasia Leukhina
Kiev
NGOs: The Carriers of Globalization?
The presentation is divided into three parts, in which I will explore the following issues:
Globalization is a process of reshaping social space
and individual perception of the world through transforming the notion of territoriality
from state-restricted to transnational space. To continue this discussion, the distinction
should be made between territory and territoriality. Territory represents physical space
and location while territoriality suggests social space where human interactions occur.
Until recently, both territory and territoriality were mostly organized following the
logic of a state and controlled through political power derived from state's sovereignty.
In the process of globalization territoriality expanded beyond the state borders, and
deterritorialization of social life became very intensive.
One of the ways the deterritoralization of social space expressed
itself is rapid development of non-government organizations (NGOs) worldwide. NGOs are
becoming noticeable players in the decision-making processes of the states at different
stages of democratic transition. Development of communication technologies, one of
globalization's key stimulants, undoubtedly contributed to the process by making
"united" struggle against social exclusion across borders possible. This
struggle took different forms. Some organizations became international and expanded their
worldwide operations. Smaller organizations learned from experiences of their partners in
other countries. From these interactions, they not only improved their local activities,
but also developed international agenda to promote certain values and bring about changes.
A relevant case study to show such a deterritorialization of social
life is the organization of Citizen Advice Bureaux (CAB) in Eastern Europe, their work
nationally and commitment to international cooperation. CAB is a concept of provision
citizen with information and advice that was developed in Great Britain in response to the
challenges of the post World War II recovery. The network of CABs in Britain became
wide-spread, and grew into an influential National Association of CABs which provides
citizens with tools to protect their rights as well as advocates for suggests legislation
and policy changes. This idea of provision of impartial and free advice on citizens"
rights traveled to Eastern Europe which was undergoing sociopolitical transformation in
the 90s. A number of CABs were established on the basis of local NGOs in many Eastern
European countries. Organizations from óroatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Lativa,
Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Lithuania, and Great Britain declared their
"commitment to set up a network of Central and Eastern European citizens information
and advice organisations in order to cooperate, exchange information and good practice and
experience in the provision of such services in the member countries". Such
cooperation in social policy advocacy may be a unique opportunity for NGOs to use each
others" resources to push their respective governments towards better social policies
and human rights practices.
Network of CABs in Europe is only one example of deterritorialization
of social advocacy and its influencee on life of citizens of different states. Many others
with diverse value frameworks and aspirations exist across borders and affect the course
of national politics and international relations as a result and in the process of
globalization.