The political limits to nongovermental organizations in Jordan

摘要

Nongovermental organizations (NGOs) are frequently touted as important actors in democratization. Yet despite the proliferation of NGOs since the advent of political liberalization and democratization in Jordan, they remain circumscribed by the realities of continued state power. Because the political transition was informed by a desire to perpetuate regime survival in the midst of economic crisis, NGOs continue to experience political limits to their activities. The regime primarily relies upon three strategies to control the NGO community: (a) administrative repression and oversight; (b) civil society "infiltration through royal nongovernmental organizations and other government NGOs; and (c) centralization through the General Union of VoluntarySocieties.