Globalization and Its Effects on NGOs: Efflorescence or a Blurring of Roles and Relevance?

Abstract

This article begins by describing attributes of the NGO sector, including its phenomenal growth, its new legitimacy and reputation, and national and regional differences among NGOs. It then discusses the tensions, tradeoffs, trends, and strategies posed by globalization as the political economy in which NGOs operate is changed. It notes that in the global marketplace of altruism, NGOs risk seeing the positive promise of NGO globalization far outweighed by the dangers of commodification of their work. Finally, the author concludes that a return to the roots of altruistic activism may prove the best strategy in response to today's challenges.