FRONT PAGE

New book examines impact of NGOs on conflict policy

A new book from International Conflict Research (INCORE) analyses the influence  non-governmental organizations (NGOs) bring to bear on official policymaking in resolving conflict.

NGOs at the Table: Strategies for Influencing Policy in Areas of Conflict looks at a number of number of NGOs in different parts of the world as they engage policymakers on conflict issues.

"As part of our Policy and Evaluation project, INCORE has sought to chart the growth in number, size, effect and influence of NGOs over the past few decades," said INCORE Director Gillian Robinson. "This book examines how NGOs seek to influence policy at this top level and the challenges they face in terms of resources and retaining independence while engaging with policymakers on crucial issues."

NGOs at the Table is edited by Mari Fitzduff and Cheyanne Church and published by Rowan and Littlefield. Professor Fitzduff, a former Director of INCORE, now directs the masters programme in conflict studies at Brandeis University, Boston. Cheyanne Church, former director of INCORE's policy and  evaluation unit, is now director of institutional learning and research with Search for Common Ground in Washington, D.C.

Professor Fitzduff said that in many countries NGOs have been at the forefront of saving lives and building peace in difficult and dangerous situations. "But increasingly their ability to be effective in situations of conflict will depend upon their ability to work with and to influence policy makers from governmental and other organisations who are also interested in addressing issues of conflict. This book is designed to help both NGOs and policy makers to work together to do this."

NGOs at the Table examines the constraints faced by NGOs in trying to penetrate the governmental process and discusses how these obstacles were overcome. The book also includes analysis and reflections by a variety of experienced policy-makers and academics working in the field, and is intended as tool to enable NGOs operate more effectively.

STOP SPAM! Javascript-enabled browser is required to send email.

Copyright © 2004  United Nations University. All rights reserved.