FROM AID TO EMPOWERMENT Evaluating the Impact of Democracy Assistance on Civil Society across 128 countries from 2005 to 2021

Abstract

Civil society organisations (CSOs) are key players in democratisation processes. Consequently, a substantial part of foreign democracy assistance is directed at promoting civil society in recipient countries. A growing body of research indicates that support for democratisation is linked to higher levels of democracy. However, the mechanisms through which democracy assistance contributes to democratisation are understudied. This study further investigates the mechanisms between democracy assistance and democratisation. Specifically, I analyse the effectiveness of democracy assistance channelled through CSOs (earmarked funding). Conducting a cross-sectional time-series analysis, including 128 recipient countries between 2005 and 2021, this study offers a comprehensive understanding of the impact of aid channelled through civil society. Data to capture democracy assistance is extracted from the OECD Crediting Reporting System, and data from the Varieties of Democracy Project is used to capture both civil society and democracy levels. The results demonstrate that this kind of democracy assistance positively affects both civil society and democracy levels of the recipient country. I argue that democracy assistance channelled through CSOs empowers civil society and enhances democracy in the recipient country. Furthermore, I find evidence that the effectiveness of aid channelled through CSOs varies across regime types.