The Challenges and Opportunities for International Civil Society in Promoting Ethical Globalisation

This paper explores some of the challenges ahead in terms of strengthening civil society networks working for ethical globalisation and in turning their shared vision of ethical globalisation into an effective programme of action. It attempts to unpack what is meant by the terms international civil society and ethical globalisation, drawing on work of Scholte and others, including ongoing research the author is carrying out in Trócaire, the official development agency of the Irish Catholic Bishops. It examines the structural dimensions of globalisation. In particular it focuses on the role played by civil society on issues of economic globalisation and in seeking to address deficits in global economic governance, using the experience gained from a number of international campaigns. The final section discusses some critical issues for action by international civil society in strengthening its capacity and credibility, and in so doing, in, harnessing globalisation in support of international development. [DRAFT Paper for DSA conference on Globalisation and Development, 2003]