There are many definitions of Global Civil Society (GCS). But, none of the definitions makes strong and good clarity in conceptualization and theorization of GCS. Yearbook 2001 defined GCS as an emerging sphere of ideas, values, institutions, organizations, networks, and individuals located between the confines of the family, the state and the market and operating beyond the confines of national societies, polities, and economies. Thus, GCS can be defined—simply—as a set of public interaction involving self organized groups autonomous from the state, market, and family that operate or are linked across state territorial borders.
Globalization has a close relationship with GCS itself. Globalization is broadly viewed as a contemporary process of increasing intense interconnectedness/interactions/inter-dependence/integration across borders/state and communities (local/national) in different spheres of human life - economic/financial, technological, social, cultural, and political. This process is leading to emergence of one world, a global society. Like globalization, the emergence of GCS also is a recent global phenomenon. It is hypothesized that there is a mutual interaction between GCS and globalization. GCS contribute to globalization. It also both feeds and reacts to globalization due to its position as an aspect of globalization. In the other hand, globalization provides foundation for GCS.
Basicly, there are four main categories of GCS position in globalization; supporters,rejectionist, reformists, and alternatives.
The supporters are those groups and individuals in GCS, who advocate globalization and are enthusiastic about it. They are in favour of the expansion of global capitalism and interconnectedness or global rule of law (global governance) and global consciousness. They are allies of transnational business, and also of governments that want globalization to move ahead. This category also includes the advocates of ‘just wars for human rights’ and the enthusiasts for new technology.
GCS also has those who are called rejectionists, i.e., those who reject globalization and want to return to a world of nation-states. The rejectionists are of different types in terms of politico-ideological perspectives. It has the ‘new right’ who support global capitalism but oppose open border and a global rule of law. There are leftists here who are opposed to global capitalism, but do not oppose the spread of global rule of law (global governance of a just variety). Moreover, there are traditional leftist anti-colonial movements or communists who oppose infringement of state sovereignty. This category of GCS also comprises nationalists and even religious fundamentalists. They consider globalization harmful and hence oppose it with all their might. Use of the term ‘transformative’ for the religious fundamentalists is rejected because they look back backwards to an idealized version of the past rather than transformation into something new.
Further, the reformists are said to be the largest segment of GCS. They welcome the spread of global capitalism and global connectedness which is considered potentially beneficial to all. But at the same time, they feel the need to civilize the process of globalization – give it a ‘human face’. So, they want reform of international/multilateral economic institutions, and a global rule of law. They are in favour of greater social justice and a fair and participatory procedure in case of new technologies.
The last category is alternatives. This group does not oppose globalization, but does not support either. Rather, it prefers to opt out and adopts its own course of action independent of government, international institutions and TNCs. Their main aim is to develop their own way of life and create their own space without any kind of outside interference. This is reflected, for instance, in their preference for growing and eating organic food, opposition to brand names, efforts to reclaim public space, capitalism in local money schemes, and non-military ‘civil society interventions’ in conflicts. From this one may even try to understand GCS as a debate about the future direction of globalization and perhaps humankind itself.
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