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Who's making global civil society: philanthropy and US empire in world society

1 January 1970
Academic / Journal Article
Publisher : ResearchGate

19763

This article examines the role of philanthropy, particularly US international grant-making, in shaping global civil society (GCS) and its implications for US hegemony. It argues that philanthropy, often overlooked in debates on US power, acts as a significant trendsetter and incentive provider for GCS development. While acknowledging counter-hegemonic tendencies, the author insists that philanthropic foundations are not disinterested actors and contribute to reproducing American societal structures globally. The paper analyzes the concentration of international grant-making among a small number of elite foundations, with health-related causes receiving the main funding, suggesting a sociological under-specification of US influence in world society.

Author(s) :

A Vogel

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Key topics

Social Justice, Philanthropy and Human Rights

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Adaptive Strategies and Approaches for Organisational Mission Financial Stewardship, Sustainability, & Accountability

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