Teaching Paper: Comparative Models of State–Civil Society Relations – Typologies for Understanding Power, Autonomy, and Governance Contexts
Author: Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia
Publisher: NEYA Global Publishing
Article | NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies
Year: 2025
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5669-1676
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-fncimpc-cv-sc-tp-02
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About the Article
The relationship between the state and civil society is a defining factor in shaping the effectiveness, autonomy, and resilience of non-profit organizations. This Teaching Paper reviews comparative models of state–civil society relations, including Najam’s “Four C’s” framework (cooperation, confrontation, complementarity, co-optation) and Young’s models of government as regulator, partner, funder, or adversary. It also integrates broader regime typologies, ranging from corporatist welfare systems to liberal and authoritarian contexts. A visual mapping tool plots state control against civil society autonomy, identifying quadrants of pluralism, corporatism, co-optation, and vacuum. Synthesizing theory and practice, this paper equips practitioners and scholars with analytical tools to assess risks, opportunities, and power dynamics within governance environments. It underscores the strategic importance of understanding these relationships for effective advocacy, autonomy protection, and sustainable operation in varied political systems.
Key Topics
- State–civil society relations
- Governance typologies
- Non-profit autonomy and control
- Advocacy and co-optation dynamics
- Strategic adaptation in restrictive contexts
- Comparative political frameworks
Suggested Citation
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Teaching Paper: Comparative Models of State–Civil Society Relations – Typologies for Understanding Power, Autonomy, and Governance Contexts. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-cvscunprrsenv-tp-02
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