NGOs and civil society – Beyond global markets

In a world marked by disruptive change, heightened geopolitical tensions, increasing social conflict, and the weakening of traditional political and economic institutions, the significance of NGOs and civil society, the third sector, has never been greater. Studying and understanding these organizations empowers individuals to recognize the roles, ideas and interests of NGOs —whether by giving a voice to marginalized communities, advocating for social justice, or responding rapidly to crises where governments and markets fall short. By engaging with this field, students become equipped not only to grasp these complex dynamics that go beyond local and global markets but also to drive alternative change, build resilient communities, and contribute to a more just and compassionate world. Embracing knowledge about NGOs and civil society is more than an academic pursuit; it could be a pathway to becoming an active, informed global citizen able to navigate complex problems and dilemmas.