Legitimacy & Accountability in Government-NGO Relationships.

Abstract

This paper examines the dynamics in relationships between Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) and government and how NGOs may seek to effectively influence society and the ways in which it operates within such a relationship and vice versa. NGO-government relationships occur across the globe, in many contexts, and for many reasons. These reasons may include the continued survival of the NGO and/or to consult on complex issues and policies. These alliances are often nuanced with power struggle and conflicts of interest and legitimacy. However, this paper will argue that government-NGO relationships can increase NGO legitimacy, affording them access to traditional structures of the political arena.