This volume presents a comparison of the experiences of NGOs in China and Europe. The chapters on China contain the most comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of various types of NGOs currently active in the country. The contributions on foreign NGOs in China, non-governmental think tanks, public interest legal organizations, labour related NGOs and charity organizations, are the first in English to discuss successful experiences as well as the difficulties they face in the post-Mao era. The European studies draw examples from countries where the experiences of NGOs are at various stages of development. The section on NGOs in Central and Eastern Europe examines the rapid expansion of civil society and their pivotal role in promoting political change and building democracy in a transitional society, as well as the challenges they confront in advancing a strong civil society. Those chapters on NGOs' experiences in Western European countries, especially in the Netherlands and the UK, provide insightful information and examination of the most contentious issues concerning NGOs' accountability, governance and relationship with the government.
Biography
Yuwen Li, Associate Professor of Chinese Law, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands. She holds a BA in Chinese law from Peking University, an MA in international law and international relations from the Institute of Social Studies, and a PhD in international law from Utrecht University, The Netherlands. Since 2002 She has acted as co-director of the legal cooperation project on NGOs in China, which is funded by the Dutch Embassy in Beijing and the Chinese partner is the Institute of Law of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
’The strength of the volume lies in the rich insights presented by each of the authors... NGOs in China and Europe is a comprehensive examination of the social, legal and political contexts that affect the development and activities of NGOs.’ Journal of Chinese Political Science 'NGOs in China and Europe will be a useful and important contribution to understanding the nature of government engagement with NGOs in diverse contexts, for both academics and policy makers, and civil society actors themselves.' Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly 'This is a collection of thoughtful, detailed scholarly discussions that have been well edited to ensure consistent balance of content throughout, resulting in a cohesive body of knowledge and inquiry. NGOs in China and Europe is a comprehensive book that illuminates legal, social, political, systemic and practical paradigms that affect the broad international and domestic potential and activities of NGOs.' Voluntas
