The role of civil society in peace building in fragile democracies : the case of Malawi

The rapid mushrooming of civil society organizations (CSOs) globally and their engagement in the social, economic and political endeavors both at national and international levels has attracted unprecedented support which, to some international relations theorists, threatens and deprivileges states. In developing countries, the relationships between states and civil society organizations is generally full of tension as a result of popular belief that the state is not, or is no longer the main organizing principle of politics, governance, and development. The dynamics of the relationships between states and civil society organizations challenge contemporary theory of global governance. The insidious nature of some civil society organizations not only calls for a thorough understanding of their core values but also the realignment of state-civil society politics in the current global political dynamism. This article aims to examine the discourses of power relationships between unstable states; states that have embraced multi-party democracy yet struggle to live by its ideals, and the new wave of civil society organisations. Using Malawi as a case study, the article critically examines the role civil society has played in stabilizing, nurturing and exacerbating tensions that have the potential to trigger violence.