This volume offers a detailed conceptual and empirical examination of the relationship between civil society and conflict. The editors argue that the conflict dimension of civil society is grossly downplayed or inadequately addressed in most of the prevalent conceptualizations of civil society and that the ability to deal with conflicts stands at the heart of organized civil society. In the political process, one of civil society' s key functions is said to be not only the expression of genuine interests, but also mediation between them, thus contributing to political decision-making.
Following a conceptual opening chapter, subsequent chapters draw on comparative, empirical data from the CIVICUS Civil Society Index, examining the different ways violence has been manifested in civil societies, the meaning of violent protest and the impact of security legislation. The book offers a comparison between conflict and post-conflict countries and an analysis of the role of civil society in conflict resolution and reconciliation in such countries.
