State of Civil Society Report 2019

Since 2012, CIVICUS has published the annual State of Civil Society Report to analyze how civil society is responding to contemporary challenges and issues. This is the eighth edition, focusing on how events and trends were affecting civil society in 2018. It is built on interviews and guest articles from civil society activists, leaders and experts and others close to the major challenges of today.

Part one focuses on the reasons why people protest, including examples from countries all across the world. The second part discusses how members of excluded groups put themselves at the forefront of response in 2018. It finds that the most effective civil society responses during the year were led by excluded people. Part three presents insights on the state of democracy during 2018, including tipping and turning points. The fourth and final part highlights the successes and challenges of civil society’s advocacy at the international level.