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Al-Ahram Weekly 19 - 25 August 1999 Issue No. 443 
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Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Al-Ahram Weekly 19 - 25 August 1999 Issue No. 443
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Egypt Region International Economy Opinion Culture Features Profile Travel Living Sports Time Out Chronicles Cartoons Letters Positive centralisation
By Sayed Elewa *
The heated political discussion about the law governing NGOs has brought into focus the emerging concept of the state in a globalised world. The concept of the nation-state as an entity enjoying absolute sovereignty over its territory is being shaken by the vast expansion of the world market, the growth of transnational corporations (TNCs) and external influences on culture, communications and education. Small political entities, such as pressure groups and NGOs, have also emerged, challenging the central authority and looking beyond its borders for funding. These entities, like TNCs, seek to shake off the state's political authority.
In the industrialised world, state authority is not challenged by civil society. In developing countries, on the other hand, governments must adopt positive centralisation measures, which protect the state before challengers can erode its authority.
NGOs that receive foreign funding could seek to enter politics. TNCs could also use civil society organisations as subsidiaries. Allowing civil society to do what it will is as risky as granting corporations unfettered freedom.
Only the state can secure equilibrium between conflicting forces. Positive centralisation can prevent the state from being submerged by globalisation, which aims at fragmenting developing countries to serve the ends of huge corporations. The role of civil associations in promoting development and enhancing participation, on the other hand, should be encouraged.
*This week's Soapbox speaker is a professor of political science at Helwan University.
