The crisis of democracy and civil society: Why it’s time for collective resistance

Download the new research from Graciela Hopstein, The Crisis of Democracy and Civil Society: Challenges and Perspectives for the #ShiftThePower Movement in English or Portuguese.

Graciela Hopstein, 2024 / 2025 #ShiftThePower Fellow

The work developed within the context of the #ShiftThePower Fellowship represented a unique opportunity to engage deeply in the production of a study aimed at reflecting on the field of community philanthropy amidst the current political crisis and funding cuts, and to also consider future challenges. The reflections presented throughout the text are the result of my academic and professional experiences – particularly in the areas of community philanthropy and social justice.

One of the main premises guiding this study was to emphasize that civil society is a fundamental actor in consolidating and strengthening democracy. Despite the numerous reputational attacks, processes of criminalization, and political and financial sustainability challenges that civil society organizations have faced in recent years, they have nonetheless demonstrated historic resilience, occupying a strategic position in addressing various social and humanitarian crises.

It was also essential to understand the rise of the far right and the impacts that the installed conservative wave has had on the civil society and philanthropy fields. A central point to highlight is that the crisis civil society is facing due to funding cuts does not originate from economic causes, nor is it the result of resource scarcity. Rather, it stems from deliberate political decisions aimed at demobilizing actors and movements engaged in struggle, and at hollowing out strategic agendas for strengthening democracy – linked to socio-environmental issues, racial justice, gender and ethnic equity, among others, pejoratively labelled as “woke agendas.” These agendas have had the capacity to challenge the dominant political system and established social order, promoting significant political transformations across various spheres and ways of life.

Based on these initial reflections, the study asks: What are and will be the impacts of international funding cuts on civil society at the global and local levels? How are civil society and philanthropy organizations from the Global South responding and positioning themselves in light of this scenario?

Information gathered from various studies points to the sudden interruption of projects and programmes, as well as the reduction of technical staff, with the massive dismissal of professionals. In turn, competition for increasingly scarce resources will force civil society organizations to adapt their agendas and strategies. In the long-term, the outlook is not very encouraging, as projections indicate a significant closure of NGOs – especially community-based and small- and medium-sized organizations – the weakening of the civic fabric, the criminalization of critical voices, and the concentration of power in governmental actors. What stands out in this context, however, is the lack of significant mobilization within civil society regarding the funding crisis, even though it is a relevant and urgent political issue.

“Remaining trapped in past dynamics and practices, and in historical roles that reproduce power relations, prevents us from advancing toward the construction of other possible futures.”

One of the main theses underlying the study is that civil society is weakened and fragmented, lacking the capacity to confront a crisis or rupture of such magnitude. Why? Because we are facing processes of weakening and depoliticization within organizations in the field. How can this phenomenon be explained? Certainly, reputational attacks, criminalization processes, and the shrinking and closure of civic spaces have contributed to this weakening. On the other hand, funding dynamics imposed by major donors have created a set of institutional requirements that effectively place constraints and straitjackets on civil society organizations regarding their political action and their role in society and democracy. As a result, the axis of action of CSOs has progressively been displaced from the political and social sphere, and instead shifted toward institutional and financial management, simultaneously fostering processes of bureaucratization and depoliticization.

Undoubtedly, the current crisis scenario will require creative and bold solutions in both the political and funding spheres. The creation of new spaces for global articulation and reflection should be considered a priority strategy for designing alternative funding models that promote the autonomy of civil society organizations and collective impact.

There is no doubt that this is the moment for philanthropy to assume a truly transformative role. To achieve this, it will be essential to engage a multiplicity of actors in a collective effort that brings together networks, consultants, support organizations, academic centres, media actors and funders to expand the reach and impact of actions.

Remaining trapped in past dynamics and practices, and in historical roles that reproduce power relations, prevents us from advancing toward the construction of other possible futures. The challenge lies in building a vibrant global movement capable of promoting change, redefining the practices of both civil society and philanthropy in ways that transform realities, improve all dimensions of life, and achieve the common good.

By: Graciela Hopstein, 2024 / 2025 #ShiftThePower Fellow