Antinomies of Political Society: Implications of Uncivil Development

Abstract

The inter -relation between the state, civil society and more recently political society, notwithstanding the differences over what constitutes each of these domains, has emerged as the single most significant area of study for understanding the process of democratization. Civil society has long been projected and trusted, post-East European debacle, as an all-encompassing panacea for most of the problems plaguing developing societies. It is a political imaginary that is carved out to stand for various values, actively pursued through varied institutions. Civil society has become a kind of ‘aspirational shorthand’ for ideas and values of equity, increasing participation, public fairness, individual rights, tolerance, trust, legality, cooperation and informed citizenry (C.M.Elliot, 2 003). These ideals are fostered and protected by voluntary associative activity independent or “outside” of the state.