ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCE
International scientific-online conference
15
FORMS OF COOPERATION BETWEEN STATE AND CIVIL SOCIETY:
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND NATIONAL MODELS
Shavkat Nazarov
Head of Department, Tashkent State University of Law, PhD in Law, Associate
Professor E-mail: sh.nazarov@tsul.uz
+998 90 371 97 44
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16537485
Abstract:
This article analyzes both traditional and modern forms of
cooperation between government bodies and civil society institutions. Based on
international recommendations and practices of developed democracies, the
paper explores opportunities for improving the national model. Emphasis is
placed on digitalization, crowdsourcing, and the “listening state” concept.
Key words
: civil society, public authorities, forms of cooperation, social
partnership, public oversight, democracy, legal framework, sustainable dialogue,
national experience.
Аннотация:
Ушбу мақолада давлат органлари ва фуқаролик жамияти
институтлари ўртасидаги ҳамкорликнинг анъанавий ва замонавий
шакллари таҳлил қилинган. Халқаро ташкилотлар тавсиялари ҳамда
ривожланган
давлатлар
амалиёти
асосида
миллий
моделни
такомиллаштириш имкониятлари кўриб чиқилган. Рақамлаштириш,
краудсорсинг ва “эшитувчан давлат” каби механизмлар орқали ҳамкорлик
самарадорлигини ошириш имкониятлари асослаб берилган.
Калит сўзлар
: фуқаролик жамияти, давлат органлари, ҳамкорлик
шакллари, ижтимоий шериклик, жамоатчилик назорати, демократия,
норматив-ҳуқуқий база, мустаҳкам мулоқот, миллий тажриба.
Аннотация:
В статье анализируются традиционные и современные
формы
взаимодействия
между
государственными
органами
и
институтами гражданского общества. На основе рекомендаций
международных
организаций
и
практики
развитых
стран
рассматриваются возможности совершенствования национальной модели.
Особое внимание уделяется цифровым механизмам, краудсорсингу и
концепции “внимательного государства”.
Ключевые слова:
гражданское общество, органы власти, формы
взаимодействия, социальное партнёрство, общественный контроль,
демократия,
нормативно-правовая
база,
устойчивый
диалог,
национальный опыт
In international practice, various forms of cooperation between state bodies
and civil society institutions have evolved. Among them, social partnership,
ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCE
International scientific-online conference
16
public oversight, public-private partnership, social orders, grant programs,
advisory councils, and public chambers hold particular importance. According to
the World Bank's 2023 «Governance Matters» report (1), effective cooperation
between state bodies and civil society institutions positively affects reducing
corruption levels, increasing the efficiency of public administration, and
stabilizing economic growth. The research found that in countries where such
cooperation is effective, GDP growth is on average 1.7% higher.
Let us first consider scholarly perspectives on the essence and forms of
cooperation. According to U.B. Vakhobov (2), «Non-governmental non-profit
organizations should analyze the ongoing reforms in the republic with the
participation of their members, express their opinions on them, identify their
own tasks arising from these reforms, and involve all members of society in
fulfilling them.» This emphasizes the analytical functions of NGOs, but my
research indicates that these functions alone are insufficient. Under modern
conditions, NGOs must go beyond analysis and directly participate in
implementing reforms, enabling a more active role in cooperation with the state.
N.S. Menshikova states that (3) «Cooperation between the state and civil
society is based on the principles of partner equality, mutual trust, self-
organization of the parties, voluntary participation, mutual benefit, and
transparency.» These principles form the fundamental basis for creating
effective models of cooperation in democratic societies. Especially, partner
equality and openness form the solid foundation of such cooperation.
Regarding the effectiveness of cooperation at the local level, L.I. Nikovskaya
and V.N. Yakimets believe that (4) «it is necessary to create effective dialogue
platforms at the local level.» Their view substantiates the need to improve local-
level cooperation mechanisms. Indeed, establishing effective dialogue platforms
between state bodies and civil society institutions at the local level can elevate
cooperation to a new stage, which is particularly important for solving issues of
local significance.
In developed Western democracies, cooperation primarily appears as a
form of citizen and organization participation in social life (5).
In international legal documents and foreign national legislation,
cooperation is viewed as a vital tool for addressing socio-economic issues
involving different social groups and strata (6).
Analysis of modern forms and trends in cooperation reveals increased
attention to digitization, information and communication technologies, and new
communication mechanisms in recent years.
ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCE
International scientific-online conference
17
Researchers' academic views on state–civil society cooperation can be
grouped as follows:
The first group of scholars
(K.S. Czapanskiy, R. Manjoo, G. Muller, R.A.
Payne) studied public participation as a fundamental right and proposed
effective mechanisms. They developed the concept of «meaningful
participation,» which includes three elements: the right to be heard, the right to
be considered, and the right to be explained (7). However, the practical aspects
of these mechanisms are not thoroughly addressed.
The second group
of scholars (A. Buzogány, T.A. Börzel, V.J. Assetto)
focused on civil society participation at the local level and proposed institutional
improvements. Their strength lies in their in-depth analysis of public
participation mechanisms at the local level (8).
The third group of scholars
(S.R. Arnstein, D. Golubovic, A.M. Gius)
systematized the levels of public participation and developed criteria to assess
the effectiveness of civil society involvement in decision-making. Notably, S.R.
Arnstein's «ladder of citizen participation» remains widely used (9). However,
their evaluation criteria require revision considering modern technological
developments.
It is essential to emphasize that cooperation between civil society and the
state is bilateral. Civil society actively engages with the state and utilizes the
opportunities provided. In turn, the state regulates legal relations, defines the
legal framework for public organizations and movements, and commissions civil
initiatives.
In recent years, the concept of a «listening state» has emerged as an
innovative form of state–society relations. Its main goal is to ensure a prompt
and effective response by the state to the needs of citizens. Being «listening»
creates a basis for more effective cooperation with civil society institutions.
According to N.P. Kalashnikova, the idea of a «listening state» is not limited
to having the necessary infrastructure for citizen participation (13).
Traditional forms of cooperation have developed and improved over time.
These include:
Social partnership is a key form of cooperation between the state and the
non-state sector aimed at solving social problems, balancing interests, and
promoting social equality. According to OECD recommendations, such
relationships should be based on equality, transparency, and constructive
dialogue (10).
ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCE
International scientific-online conference
18
Public oversight is a mechanism by which civil society monitors state
institutions to promote transparency and reduce corruption. According to the
World Bank’s “Governance Matters” report, effective public oversight improves
governance efficiency and reduces corruption (11).
Public-private partnership is a widespread form of cooperation in the
economic sphere. According to the World Economic Forum, civil society
institutions in developed democracies participate in delivering social services
that account for an average of 4.5% of the national budget (12).
In conclusion, state–civil society cooperation is a crucial condition for the
development of a democratic society. Alongside traditional forms of cooperation
(social partnership, public oversight, public-private partnership), new
mechanisms based on digital technologies—such as crowdsourcing platforms, e-
democracy institutions, and open data portals—are emerging and expanding
Адабиётлар рўйхати / References / Список литературы:
1.
World Bank. Governance Matters XI: Worldwide Governance Indicators
2023.
Washington
DC:
The
World
Bank,
2023.
156
p
https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/es/665731468739470954/10650
6322_20041117163514/additional/multi-page.pdf
2.
Ваҳобов У.Б., Эшқулов Қ.Ш. Нодавлат нотижорат ташкилотларининг
механизмлари // Tarix va jamiyat. - 2023. - №5. - Б.66.
3.
Menshikova N.S. Partnership of the state and civil society institutions as a
subject of analysis in modern foreign social science. BENEFICIUM.
2019;4(33):84–93
4.
Никовская Л.И., Якимец В.Н. Особенности институтов и механизмов
публичного взаимодействия власти и гражданского общества на
муниципальном уровне // Развитие политических институтов и
процессов: зарубежный и отечественный опыт. 2020. С.371-374
5.
Дмитриев Н. Ю. Партнерская модель взаимодействия властных элит
и гражданского общества и проблемы ее становления в современной
России //государственное и муниципальное управление. Ученые записки.
– 2024. – С. 295.
6.
Дмитриев Н. Ю. Партнерская модель взаимодействия властных элит
и гражданского общества и проблемы ее становления в современной
России //Государственное и муниципальное управление. Ученые записки.
– 2024. – С. 295.
7.
Czapanskiy, K.S. The Right of Public Participation in the Law-Making
Process and the Role of Legislature in the Promotion of This Right / K.S.
ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCE
International scientific-online conference
19
Czapanskiy, R. Manjoo // Duke Journal of Comparative & International Law. -
2008. - Vol. 19. - P. 1-40.
8.
Muller, G. Conceptualising 'meaningful Engagement' as a Deliberative
Democratic Partnership / G. Muller // Stellenbosch Law Review. - 2011. - Vol.
22(3). - P. 742-758.
9.
Payne, R.A. Freedom and the Environment / R.A. Payne // Journal of
Democracy. - 1995. - Vol. 6(3). - P. 41-55.
10.
Muller, G. Conceptualising 'meaningful Engagement' as a Deliberative
Democratic Partnership / G. Muller // Stellenbosch Law Review. - 2011. - Vol.
22(3). - P. 742-758.
11.
Buzogány, A. Representation and Participation in Movement: Strategies of
Civil Society Organizations in Hungary / A. Buzogány // Südosteuropa. - 2016. -
Vol. 63(3). - P. 491-514.
12.
Börzel, T.A. Governing EU accession in transition countries: The role of
non-state actors / T.A. Börzel, A. Buzogány // Acta Politica. - 2010. - Vol. 45(1-2).
- P. 158-182.
13.
Arnstein, S.R. A Ladder of Citizen Participation / S.R. Arnstein // Journal of
the American Institute of Planners. - 1969. - Vol. 35(4). - P. 216-224.
14.
Golubovic, D. An Enabling Framework for Citizen Participation in Public
Policy: An Outline of Some of the Major Issues Involved / D. Golubovic //
International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law. - 2009. - Vol. 12(4). - P. 38-56.
15.
Gius, A.M. Dignifying Participation / A.M. Gius // NYU Review of Law &
Social Change. - 2018. - Vol. 42(1). - P. 45-91.
16.
Керимкул Ж.С. Концепция «слышащего государства» в контексте
взаимодействия государства и институтов гражданского общества //
Вестник ЕНУ им. Л.Н. Гумилева. 2022. №3(140). С.41-50
17.
Калашникова
Н.П.,
Айтмагамбетов
Д.Р.
Новые
тренды
взаимодействия государства и гражданского общества в контексте
«слышащего государства» // Вестник Евразийского национального
университета имени Л.Н. Гумилева. - 2021. - №2(135). - С. 12-19.
18.
OECD. Recommendation of the Council on Open Government. Paris: OECD
Publishing,
2022.
24
p.
//
https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/about/programmes/grc/grc-
see/integrity/Policy-Briefing-Note-on-Open-Government.pdf
19.
World Bank. Governance Matters XI: Worldwide Governance Indicators
2023.
Washington
DC:
The
World
Bank,
2023.
156
p.
ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCE
International scientific-online conference
20
https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/es/665731468739470954/10650
6322_20041117163514/additional/multi-page.pdf
20.
World Economic Forum. Civil Society in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Geneva:
WEF,
2022.
104
p.
//
https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Civil_Society_in_the_Fourth_Industrial_
Revolution_Response_and_Innovation.pdf
