This 12 country comparative volume examines the impact of economic structural adjustment programs upon grassroots civil associations and the implications for political liberalization and democratization in the developing countries of Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The authors take an in-depth look at the impact of economic reform upon women's groups, human rights organizations, social-welfare non-governmental organizations, unions, and business associations. They challenge the prevailing assumption that economic reform will automatically lead to greater democratization.weiterlesen