NGOs

Introduction

In the first historical account of international NGOs, from the French Revolution to the present, Thomas Davies places the contemporary debate on transnational civil society in context.

Historical Perspective

In contrast to the conventional wisdom, which sees transnational civil society as a recent development taking place along a linear trajectory, he explores the long history of international NGOs in terms of a cyclical process characterized by three major waves: the era to 1914, the inter-war years, and the period since the Second World War.

Scope and Diversity

The breadth of transnational civil society activities explored is unprecedented in its diversity, from business associations to humanitarian organizations, peace groups to socialist movements, feminist organizations to pan-nationalist groups.

Geographical Scope and Sources

The geographical scope covered is also extensive, and the analysis is richly supported with reference to a diverse array of previously unexplored sources.

Role of Civil Society

By revealing the role of civil society rather than governmental actors in the major transformations of the past two-and-a-half centuries, this book is for anyone interested in obtaining a new perspective on world history.

Recent Developments

The analysis concludes in the second decade of the twenty-first century, providing insights into the trajectory of transnational civil society in the post-9/11 and post-financial crisis eras.