Civil society and legitimacy in the policy process

One way in which policymakers try to ensure the democratic legitimacy of policies is by including civil society in the policymaking process. This chapter examines the role of civil society in policymaking. As ‘civil society’ itself is a broadly used and contested term, it first explores how it is defined by academics and policymakers. It then turns to civil society organisations’ advocacy strategies and influence in domestic and international policymaking. Finally, it turns to a more critical discussion of the assumptions on which the inclusion of civil society in public policymaking rests. Although the legitimising potential of civil society is emphasised by academics and policymakers alike, reaching this potential may require moving beyond the common focus on organised civil society and developing a broader perspective.