Building Sustainable Civil Society in the 21st Century

About this grant

The project goal is to enhance the resilience and effectiveness of civil society around the world. During the project’s first phase, the Center for Strategic & International Studies built an international consortium of scholars and experts to conduct research and identify effective strategies for countering the closing space for civil society around the world. During the next phase, the consortium will identify and propose concrete remedies and innovative solutions to closing space through action-oriented research, a range of information products, and convenings. The consortium includes working groups on enhancing civil society sustainability, building local constituencies, strengthening global initiatives, and resolving the tension between security and civic space. Founded in 1962, the Center for Strategic & International Studies is one of the world’s preeminent international policy institutions focused on defense and security, regional stability, and transnational challenges ranging from energy and climate to global development and economic integration.