One of the hallmarks of a new, populist form of political leadership at the national level, often described as illiberal democracy, has been a significant increase in governmental attacks on formally-structured CSOs, most of which depend on financial support from foreign philanthropic funders and development agencies. CSOs need to address a globally replicating strategy deployed by many governments that plays on public fears in order to stigmatize, divide and conquer CSOs. The article describes a variety of strategies and tactics for CSOs to consider adopting in response.

The full post can be found on the CIVICUS website.

It is based on a report-length publication Gaining Ground: A Framework for Developing Strategies and Tactics in Response to Governmental Attacks on NGOs, drafted by the author for INCLO, the International Network for Civil Liberties Organizations.

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