Fron Nahzi: Can Civil Society Survive in a Free Market Economy?
An inappropriate, mutually beneficial relationship between political leaders and members of the “business” elite in the countries of Eastern Europe is thwarting the emergence of genuine democracy, warping development of free market economies, co-opting the mass media, and weakening the rule of law and formation of efficient state institutions. This was not what Western governments, and especially the US, had in mind when they began providing grants to civil advocacy organizations (CAOs) in these countries emerging from decades of Communism. CAOs were supposed to have stymied the development of the politician-business club by organizing and empowering the people of these countries, nurturing the development of institutions and a legal framework that would keep the leaders and “businessmen” from sopping up wealth for themselves and monopolizing decision-making to their benefit. Correcting the situation will require a long, tedious struggle. And, if they are to play a significant role in
