TAI Weekly

TAI Weekly|Is Civil Society Democracy’s Secret Weapon?

By TAI (Role at TAI)
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TAI Weekly

WHAT'S NEW? 

Why does tax transparency matter? A new policy brief on the impact of public country-by-country reporting shows it can empower tax authorities in the Global South to identify tax abuses, bolster revenue collection, and support equitable development.

GRAIN reports on the “carbon cowboy” phenomenon, where corporate interests, under the guise of climate-friendly land management, are taking over community lands. This modern land grab, often tied to carbon trading, raises concerns about community rights and environmental impacts.

Despite strict capital controls, an increasing number of Chinese individuals are finding ways to move their wealth out of the country. Beijing’s 2021 ban on crypto trading has not eliminated the flow, as crypto assets continue to offer a covert route for capital flight, presenting new challenges for authorities tracking illicit money flows.

The CEELI Institute highlights the role of Freedom of Information (FOI) in Central and Eastern Europe. Their report examines how FOI laws can increase government transparency and help curb corruption in the region, reinforcing the importance of public access to information.

Barbados launched the Bridgetown Initiative 3.0, a transformative financial proposal that advocates taxing major emitters and the super rich to generate $1 trillion in funding for climate-vulnerable countries. 

Isobel Cockerell’s investigatives the impact of carbon-free mining in the Swedish Arctic. While the industry aims for sustainability, it has led to land disputes with indigenous communities and environmental degradation in Europe’s last pristine regions, raising ethical questions around the green energy transition.

John Holm discusses the potential of industrial decarbonization to redefine business success by fostering more resilient, equitable, and regenerative economic models.

New anti-corruption measures across Africa are showing promise, with around 30 countries implementing transparency rules to curb illicit financial flows. Favour Ime argues these reforms have enabled governments to recover significant funds, but sustained leadership and expanded efforts remain essential to maximize their impact.

The International Panel on the Information Environment surveyed researchers worldwide to assess trends in the global information landscape. Their upcoming report, summarizing insights from 412 experts, aims to provide policymakers with recommendations for addressing information challenges.

Open Government Partnership joined global leaders, civil society, and experts of the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group convened by Controladoria-Geral da União (CGU) in Brazil to show how open government can fight corruption, engage citizens, and strengthen governance. Watch the full event here.

FROM OUR MEMBERS 

OPEN SOCIETY FOUNDATIONS: support a new series on democratic resilience. Here, Ben Ansell, professor at the University of Oxford and host of the podcast What’s Wrong With Democracy?, examines the strengths and vulnerabilities of democracy. 

LUMINATE: Is hiring a Director in São Paulo to lead technology policy efforts in Latin America, focusing on democracy and human rights. Apply by 10 November.

ESSENTIAL READING!

A recent study in the Journal of Public Policy compares the public health outcomes of authoritarian and democratic states during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering insights into how different governance models responded to global health crises. One hint? trust was essencial in successful responses. Read this together with TAI’s past brief highlighting proven approaches developed, tested, and, in some cases, scaled by transparency, participation and accountability  researchers and practitioners. These approaches address critical issues that hindered COVID-19 responses, focusing on enhancing the effective delivery of care and treatment.

TOOLS AND TRENDS FOR FUNDERS 

TAI Deputy Director Eszter Filippinyi shares insights from the 2024 Responsible Leaders Forum, where leaders discussed rebuilding trust in democracy through integrity, collaboration, and community-centered approaches. The need for inclusive narratives and rethinking democratic structures emerged as key themes.

The School of International Futures offers insights on the power of storytelling for social movements, discussing how shifting narratives can create more inclusive, impactful movement-building. Funders can support storytelling that fosters diverse perspectives and amplifies grassroots voices.

Power imbalances between Global North and South researchers often impede collaborative knowledge-building. Researchers advocate for equitable research partnerships that respect local knowledge and autonomy, a critical consideration for funders supporting cross-regional projects.

In Stories of Change the VOICE grant facility highlights the transformative impact of community-led initiatives funded in Tanzania from 2018 to 2024. Grassroots interventions demonstrate how funders can drive change by supporting locally driven solutions that meet the specific needs of communities.

ESSENTIAL WATCHING!

Earlier this month, Keseb hosted a virtual panel discussion with Lara Flint, Farbod Faraji, and Flávia Pellegrino on the topic of ensuring free, fair, and trusted elections. Watch the video in English here and the Portuguese interpretation here.

FOCUSED TOPIC OF THE WEEK:

Building Strong Democracies Through Strong Civil Societies

A democracy’s strength lies in its people and in the civil society organizations that empower and represent diverse voices. In Brazil, Rogério Silva and Lucia Nader emphasize that a strong democracy requires resilient social and rights-focused organizations, underscoring that there are no single definitions or quick solutions to building them. Instead, what’s needed are bold bets, inclusive strategies, and shifts in philanthropic practices to adapt to the local context and meet the urgent demands of these groups, particularly in countries facing democratic challenges.

Understanding how social dynamics shape democracy is essential in places facing autocratic pressures. Carolyn Barnett, Alexandra Blackman, and Marwa Shalaby in Morocco delve into the ways gender stereotypes play out under autocratic governance, revealing how gendered perceptions intersect with political beliefs, especially in restricted civic spaces. This exploration speaks to a wider, pressing question: how can civil society and policy mechanisms confront the challenges of identity-based stereotypes within various governance frameworks?

Larry Kramer from LSE (and formerly of Hewlett Foundation) highlights that one of democracy’s greatest challenges is maintaining a cohesive sense of belonging among citizens. Without this shared identity, democracy risks fragmentation and decline. Addressing this requires supporting civic spaces where individuals can connect and engage across their differences—an effort discussed at KoneKtor 2024 in Prague, where participants explored how philanthropy can counteract polarization, foster dialogue, and reinforce resilience within divided societies.

New platforms are emerging to bridge the gap between democracy donors and grassroots organizations. In the US, Clean and Prosperous America recently launched a digital tool connecting donors with local civic groups in need of funding, highlighting an effective model for supporting those on the frontlines of democratic engagement. As democratic resilience requires adaptable, multifaceted approaches, efforts like these underline the critical role of resources in supporting civil society’s role within a healthy democratic ecosystem.

ESSENTIAL WATCHING!

Check out Gideon Lichfield's initial draft project, which maps the various spheres involved in reimagining democracy, governance, and government for the 21st century in his piece, "A Map of the Future of Democracy" on Futurepolis. Additionally, consider exploring the work of Kaliya Young and Day Waterbury on the IETF's self-governance system presented at the Salon II: ARC Regenerative Communities - 2024 Protocol Symposium.

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