NGOs: Progressive Force or Neo-Liberal Tool?

Abstract

The increasing prominence of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) has been\rseen by many as a potentially transformative force in promoting more equal, participative,\rand sustainable development. At the same time, NGOs have also been seen as co-opted by\rneo-liberalism, functioning in ways that maintain systemic inequality. Edwards and Hulme's\r(1996) thoughtful article reviews many of these debates, and this short essay, like others in\rthis issue, reacts to this article as well as draws upon my own experience and analysis of\rthe threats and promise of the NGO phenomenon.