Small and Fragmented: Civil Society in the Czech Republic in the Antagonism Between Liberal and State-Centric Ideas

This chapter explores what came out of the broad mobilisation for democracy and active civil society after 1989. It depicts a differentiated and ramified network of organised civil society (particularly in the environmental and social spheres), although the political setting has not always been conducive. Unions and umbrella associations of the non-governmental sector enjoy privileged participation in some public policy areas. A characteristic pattern is the protest against mainstream political parties—or the search for alternatives to them—by way of various forms and organisations of civil society that despite formally rejecting established structures may well seek political posts. Although there exist numerous civic organisations with a rather strong influence, overall participation remains low.