Social capital and the public‐private divide in Greek regions

This article argues that the concept of social capital, by facilitating collective action among the actors within institutional networks, constitutes a prerequisite for overcoming the public‐private divide and achieving synergies at the regional and local levels. Thus, within the framework of European regional policy, it is considered to be the crucial factor for the processes of institutional learning and successful adaptation/Europeanisation of the subnational systems of governance. The case of Greece demonstrates that the combination of a centralised state structure and a weak civil society breeds the creation of hierarchical, clientelistic networks that undermine the process of crossing the public—private divide and inhibits the Europeanisation function of subnational governments.     

Non-governmental organisations and humanitarian action: the need for a viable change of Praxis and Ethos

Non-governmental organisations are experiencing a crisis of legitimacy, over their neutrality, independence, politicisation and subordination to their donors and the international media. Seemingly they are unable or unwilling to address structural problems related to their present shape and functioning. They need to invest in a radical agenda of change to address the important issues of donor relations, funding, independence and the place of advocacy, standards, rules and operational solidarity. Only by undergoing a process of genuine self-reflection, focused on their own shortcomings, will NGOs be able to harmonise their praxis and ethos in humanitarian action.