There is a fundamental misunderstandingregarding the role of civic engagement in development.Oftentimes, engagement is perceived as existing in theabsence of a robust state. In addition, it is also oftenheld that the presence of a strong state reduces the spacefor and scope of civic engagement. However, the existence ofa healthy and active civil society does not preclude theexistence of a robust state, and vice versa. In cases wherestates are weak, or have failed, and are experiencingconditions of widespread conflict and socialungovernability, civil society organizations usually offerthe institutional basis for public service delivery and, inmany cases, they contribute to conflict resolution andreconciliation efforts. Conversely, there is substantialevidence than an effective and sound public sector dependsvery much on the existence of a dynamic civil society andstrong citizen involvement in the public realm. Suchinvolvement can manifest itself in participatory engagementin policy formulation and monitoring that bringstransparency and effectiveness to public institutions.States with the capacity to enforce the rule of law, setclear rules of engagement for civil society and promotesound public policy have proven to supply an appropriateenvironment for civic engagement.
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