Conclusions: Politics of Democratization — the Force of Civil Society

Abstract

The adverse effects of economic structural adjustment policies (SAPs) on the socioeconomic landscape of the developing world, while varied, are challenging the political assumptions upon which SAPs have been designed and implemented. While the World Bank generally abstains from political statements and interference in the domestic politics of its members, it has recognized the need (if only to ensure the success of SAPs) to understand the political context and effects of Bank lending and programs. Economic programs are premised on assumptions concerning their short- and long-term political impact. In the 1990s the dominant view of policy-makers and advisors in the international financial institutions (IFIs) is that SAPs are compatible with the introduction of political liberties and democracy in the developing world. Within this understanding of economic and political change, civil society is seen to play a crucial political role. Simplistically stated, as the state withdraws from previous spheres of activity, civil society is expected to organize and take over “abandoned” state activities, and press for greater political liberalization and decentralization of decision-making powers.