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From Exclusion to Co-Optation: Political Opportunity Structures and Civil Society Responses in De-Democratising Hungary

Author

Listed:
  • Márton Gerő

    (Faculty of Social Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary)

  • Anna Fejős

    (Centre for Social Sciences, Hungary)

  • Szabina Kerényi

    (Centre for Social Sciences, Hungary)

  • Dorottya Szikra

    (Centre for Social Sciences, Hungary / Central European University, Democracy Institute, Hungary)

Abstract

While it is well-known that democratic backsliding imposes a variety of challenges on civil society organisations, it is often assumed that it represses civil society. However, a closer look at the impact of democratic backsliding on civil society organisations reveals that even in countries where democratic backsliding is fairly advanced, the relationship between civil society and the state is more complex. Close cooperation and partnership between civil society organisations and the state are scarce in backsliding countries; the relationship between civil society organisations and the state might, however, range from hostility to varying forms and degrees of co-optation. Based on interviews with representatives of civil society organisations and the examination of the sector-specific social and political environment, we aim to explore the forms and factors that shape the relationship between civil society organisations and the state in Hungary. More specifically, we analyse the impact of the changing political opportunity structures on three important sectors of civil society organisations: human rights organisations, environmental organisations, and women’s organisations. We argue that, to seize control over civil society the government applies sector-specific strategies, ranging from exclusion to co-optation. State strategies, in turn, spark different responses from civil society organisations.

Suggested Citation

  • Márton Gerő & Anna Fejős & Szabina Kerényi & Dorottya Szikra, 2023. "From Exclusion to Co-Optation: Political Opportunity Structures and Civil Society Responses in De-Democratising Hungary," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 11(1), pages 16-27.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:poango:v:11:y:2023:i:1:p:16-27
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dupuy, Kendra & Ron, James & Prakash, Aseem, 2016. "Hands Off My Regime! Governments’ Restrictions on Foreign Aid to Non-Governmental Organizations in Poor and Middle-Income Countries," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 84(C), pages 299-311.
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