Civil society and political parties: Four dynamics

The intricate dance between political parties and civil society is a cornerstone of democracies worldwide. This article examines the intricacies of this relationship, focusing on how civil society’s input moulds policymaking to ensure robust, informed decisions that positively impact citizens’ lives. Unpacking these dynamics sheds light on the nuanced pathways through which civil society enriches the policy-making landscape.

1. Civil society lobbying and advocacy initiatives

Corporate actors are not the only lobby. Civil society organisations (CSOs) also play a crucial role in shaping policy decisions through lobbying and advocacy efforts. When CSOs engage with political parties to advocate for specific causes, they often establish bonds and long-term cooperation with like-minded parties. This symbiotic relationship yields benefits for both sides: parties gain valuable insight and support from the CSO’s dedicated followers, while CSOs see their causes championed. This cooperation highlights how policy is influenced by collective action. However, like any process, it’s not always for positive ends. 

The Good: As an example, cooperation between environmental NGOs and political parties in Europe has led to significant advancements in environmental policies. Also, joint efforts of progressive political parties and CSOs advocating for LGBTQ+ rights have contributed to policy changes such as legalising same-sex marriage and enacting anti-discrimination laws for LGBTQ+ individuals in several European countries.

The Bad: Some European parties form alliances with far-right or populist movements with anti-immigrant, xenophobic, or discriminatory views. This collaboration has led to policies that undermine social cohesion and human rights, particularly affecting minority groups and immigrants. Also, if a party hijacks civil society initiatives without adequately crediting them, this might cause a rift in their cooperation.