Alan Fowler
Datos Biográficos
| ID | 3696525 |
|---|---|
| NOMBRE | Alan Fowler |
| NOMBRES | Alan |
| APELLIDO | Fowler |
| FIRMA | FOWLER A |
| AFILIACIONES | Manchester Metropolitan University |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-7480-0604 |
| VERIFICADO | Sí |
| TOTAL DE OBRAS | 37 |
| TOTAL DE CITAS | 226 |
| TOTAL COMO AUTOR | 35 |
| TOTAL COMO EDITOR | 2 |
| PRIMER AÑO DE PUBLICACIÓN | 1991 |
| AÑO MÁS RECIENTE DE PUBLICACIÓN | 2025 |
| ÍNDICE H | 9 |
Between worlds, beyond boundaries
Developmental pracademics
This article analyses pracademia as a contested institutional terrain, provides examples of the value added by pracademics, sets out plans for achieving recognition by building stronger career paths, and identifies avenues for further research. Its objective is to initiate a conversation about pracademics in the disciplines of global development, what they can achieve, and how to make their work more impactful. Recognising the value of pracademia…
NGO Management
African Gifting
This article adds to conceptualisations of philanthropy. Applying an ontological approach within an evolutionary perspective, it advances an analogous African narrative of pro-social transactions of gift-giving, or gifting, associated with Marcel Mauss. Originating on the continent, this relational behaviour is subject to indeterminate complex processes which co-determine any society’s institutional design. Analysing gifting’s sociopolitical infl…
Lancashire Cotton Operatives and Work, 1900–1950
Ownership dynamics in local multi-stakeholder initiatives
The nature and dynamics of ownership are often neglected features of multi-stakeholder initiatives (MSIs). Seventeen cases in four countries illustrate characteristics of narrow government or broad societal ownership and forces for change over time. Refinements to the application of Gaventa’s Power Cube are used to analyse such shifts from the perspective of invited and closed spaces for participation. Observations about ways in which stakeholder…
Navigating Polycentric Governance from a Citizen’s Perspective
Non-governmental development organisations' sustainability, partnership, and resourcing
The CIVICUS Civil Society Index Report 2011 highlights a disassociation between non-governmental development organisations (NGDOs) and the general population. The vulnerability of aided development CSOs is systemic. This can often be traced to a failed trialogue between NGDOs, their partners, and resource providers. This article argues that NGDOs share co-responsibility for their sustainability predicament. Signs of aid uncertainty in the last de…
Importing democracy
"Importing democracy: the role of NGOs in South Africa, Tajikistan, and Argentina." Development in Practice, 24(2), pp. 307–308
The Virtuous Spiral
'The Virtuous Spiral is without doubt a most welcome addition to the body of knowledge that will continue to be highly valued in the NGO sector.' Ezra Limiri Mbogori, Director, Mwelekeo wa NGO (MWENGO), Harare 'Fowler demonstrates how development NGOs can engage in a virtuous spiral of performance-based learning that regenerates public trust. This is a timely book, dealing squarely with the confidence crisis faced by many NGOs in the South and No…
Understanding Organizational Sustainability through African Proverbs
Relocating Civil Society in a Politics of Civic-Driven Change
Politics is central to development discourse, yet remains peripheral. Over some twenty years, a civil-society narrative has not fulfilled its potential to 'bring politics back in'. Reasons can be found in conceptual confusion, in selectivity in donor thinking, in policies towards civil society and in the growth-driven political economy of NGO-ism. Remedies for the political lacunae are being sought through a focus on rights, citizenship and leade…
Transforming Activisms 2010
The waves of civic activism unfolding since late 2010 at a global level are striking. In major cities of the world, streets and squares have been filled with self-organized citizens demanding attention for social and political rights. The protest images have been televised, downloaded and quickly distributed - seemingly diverse sites and types of activisms being rapidly connected and speaking to each other. Does this scale and momentum signal a t…
Improving NGO governance
Non-governmental organisations face increasing demands to be accountable and transparent. Both need sound and timely evidence. Ensuring that these demands are satisfied is a key responsibility of governance, but fulfilling this requirement is a frequent weakness. A comprehensive approach to self-analysis – known as GATE – can make governing bodies more effective by better leadership of organisational responses to such demands. GATE works by: (1) …
Development NGOs
In the past two decades, “civil society” has become a central organizing concept in the social sciences. Occupying the middle ground between the state and private life, the civil sphere encompasses everything from associations to protests to church groups to nongovernmental organizations. Interest in the topic exploded with the decline of statism in the 1980s and 1990s, and many of our current debates about politics and social policy are informed…
Measuring Civil Society
International comparative research on civil society has subordinated Africa’s diversity and specificities to other geographies and histories. Results are prejudiced global conceptualisations, questionable enumeration, problematic theory formulation and ill-conceived approaches to development initiatives intended to make African civil society ‘stronger’ and states more democratic. This article sets out a case for an endogenous approach to civil so…
Learning and development
Partners in Development: The Report of the Commission on International Development, Lester B. Pearson (Chairman), Praeger, 1969 Rural Development: Putting the Last First, Robert Chambers, Longman
Civil Society Theory
Community, Types of
Embedding the War on Terror
The global war on terror was used by the Bush administration and its allies to defend a US dominated geopolitical configuration. To this end, counter-terrorism measures (CTMs) were introduced which strengthened the alignment of development aid with diplomacy and defence. The broad, adverse effects of CTMs on civil liberties and human rights are well documented. Despite the advent of a new US administration and a 'soft power' approach to internati…
Neo-Historicism
Journal Article Neo‐Historicism: Studies in Renaissance Literature, History and Politics Get access Alastair Fowler Alastair Fowler Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar The English Historical Review, Volume 118, Issue 477, June 2003, Pages 783–785, https://doi.org/10.1093/ehr/118.477.783 Published: 01 June 2003
Civil Society Research Funding from a Global Perspective
This paper adopts a global perspective to review the current situation with respect to the systematic study of civil society. It locates the analysis in a geohistorical framework, arguing that, as a distinct area of scholarship, contemporary civil society research is a “two-track” post-Cold War phenomenon exhibiting major shortcomings. A new type of dedicated research financing and process of allocation could redress today’s research limitations …
Leading learning and change from the middle
When implementing a transformational global vision and mission, three problems typically confront international NGOs: aligning different levels of planning and strategy; balancing global analysis and priorities against local realities; and identifying measures that both indicate progress and promote and encourage innovation. This article reports on the efforts of CARE International's Latin America Regional Management Unit to address these problem…
Introduction Beyond Partnership
Since the seventies, 'partnership' has been a guiding idea for the quality of relationships that many NGDOs were looking for.In its original expression, partnership was understood as a code word reflecting humanitarian, moral, political, ideological or spiritual solidarity between NGDOs in the North and South that joined together to pursue a common cause of social change.'It signalled an alliance between NGDOs of the North and South in favour of …
NGO futures
(2000). NGO futures: Beyond aid: NGDO values and the fourth position. Third World Quarterly: Vol. 21, No. 4, pp. 589-603
Authentic NGDO Partnerships in the New Policy Agenda for International Aid
Since the 1970s, 'partnership' has been an aspiration for relationships amongst non-governmental organizations involved in international development (NGDOs). Unfortunately, NGDOs have shown little ability to form equitable relations, or true partnership, amongst themselves. The first part of this article examines why. The new policy agenda for international aid emphasizes contract-based relationships which will make real partnerships even more di…
Transforming Activisms 2010
The waves of civic activism unfolding since late 2010 at a global level are striking. In major cities of the world, streets and squares have been filled with self-organized citizens demanding attention for social and political rights. The protest images have been televised, downloaded and quickly distributed - seemingly diverse sites and types of activisms being rapidly connected and speaking to each other. Does this scale and momentum signal a t…
Distant obligations
This article offers speculative answers to two inter‐related questions of strategic importance for non‐governmental development organisations (NGOs). First, what is the long‐term scenario for their funding, particularly for NGOs in the poorer countries of the South and especially in Africa? Second, what, if any, is the likely relationship between NGO financing and the rapid growth of a global capitalist market? Answers to these questions are arri…
NGDOs as a moment in history
NGDOs are the product of an era that is rapidly passing. Yet the common goals they strive towards remain relevant and are far from being realised. Poverty, inequity, insecurity and injustice were stubborn features of the old world order and are abiding features of the new. A brief history of NGDOs and of the radical shifts in the context where international development takes place shows that the goals NGDOs typically aspire to cannot be reached b…
African Gifting
This article adds to conceptualisations of philanthropy. Applying an ontological approach within an evolutionary perspective, it advances an analogous African narrative of pro-social transactions of gift-giving, or gifting, associated with Marcel Mauss. Originating on the continent, this relational behaviour is subject to indeterminate complex processes which co-determine any society’s institutional design. Analysing gifting’s sociopolitical infl…
Introduction Beyond Partnership
Since the seventies, 'partnership' has been a guiding idea for the quality of relationships that many NGDOs were looking for.In its original expression, partnership was understood as a code word reflecting humanitarian, moral, political, ideological or spiritual solidarity between NGDOs in the North and South that joined together to pursue a common cause of social change.'It signalled an alliance between NGDOs of the North and South in favour of …
NGO futures
(2000). NGO futures: Beyond aid: NGDO values and the fourth position. Third World Quarterly: Vol. 21, No. 4, pp. 589-603
Developmental pracademics
This article analyses pracademia as a contested institutional terrain, provides examples of the value added by pracademics, sets out plans for achieving recognition by building stronger career paths, and identifies avenues for further research. Its objective is to initiate a conversation about pracademics in the disciplines of global development, what they can achieve, and how to make their work more impactful. Recognising the value of pracademia…
NGO strategies beyond aid
Though unevenly spread, many developing countries are experiencing a decline in aid flows. This paper explores and compares NGDO responses in regions and countries in or entering a 'beyond-aid scenario'. The comparison shows that, despite a diversity of contexts and histories, the quest for self-sustainability has become a common and dominant concern. Within a framework of options, examples show what is being attempted in terms of NGDOs altering …
Relocating Civil Society in a Politics of Civic-Driven Change
Politics is central to development discourse, yet remains peripheral. Over some twenty years, a civil-society narrative has not fulfilled its potential to 'bring politics back in'. Reasons can be found in conceptual confusion, in selectivity in donor thinking, in policies towards civil society and in the growth-driven political economy of NGO-ism. Remedies for the political lacunae are being sought through a focus on rights, citizenship and leade…
Civil Society Research Funding from a Global Perspective
This paper adopts a global perspective to review the current situation with respect to the systematic study of civil society. It locates the analysis in a geohistorical framework, arguing that, as a distinct area of scholarship, contemporary civil society research is a “two-track” post-Cold War phenomenon exhibiting major shortcomings. A new type of dedicated research financing and process of allocation could redress today’s research limitations …
Non-governmental development organisations' sustainability, partnership, and resourcing
The CIVICUS Civil Society Index Report 2011 highlights a disassociation between non-governmental development organisations (NGDOs) and the general population. The vulnerability of aided development CSOs is systemic. This can often be traced to a failed trialogue between NGDOs, their partners, and resource providers. This article argues that NGDOs share co-responsibility for their sustainability predicament. Signs of aid uncertainty in the last de…
Building partnerships between Northern and Southern development NGOs
The number of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) involved in development in the North and the South has increased dramatically over the last ten years, provoking calls for new partnerships between them. But Southern NGOs have often been disadvantaged in the search for true NGO partnerships, because they know too little about their Northern counterparts. This article therefore describes some important features of Northern NGOs. It then goes on …
Embedding the War on Terror
The global war on terror was used by the Bush administration and its allies to defend a US dominated geopolitical configuration. To this end, counter-terrorism measures (CTMs) were introduced which strengthened the alignment of development aid with diplomacy and defence. The broad, adverse effects of CTMs on civil liberties and human rights are well documented. Despite the advent of a new US administration and a 'soft power' approach to internati…
Measuring Civil Society
International comparative research on civil society has subordinated Africa’s diversity and specificities to other geographies and histories. Results are prejudiced global conceptualisations, questionable enumeration, problematic theory formulation and ill-conceived approaches to development initiatives intended to make African civil society ‘stronger’ and states more democratic. This article sets out a case for an endogenous approach to civil so…
Ownership dynamics in local multi-stakeholder initiatives
The nature and dynamics of ownership are often neglected features of multi-stakeholder initiatives (MSIs). Seventeen cases in four countries illustrate characteristics of narrow government or broad societal ownership and forces for change over time. Refinements to the application of Gaventa’s Power Cube are used to analyse such shifts from the perspective of invited and closed spaces for participation. Observations about ways in which stakeholder…
The remarkable rise and long decline of the cotton factory times
(1998). The remarkable rise and long decline of the cotton factory times. Media History: Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 141-159
Whither the Third Sector? A Response to Estelle James
Nonprofit research and resulting theory have evolved in a limited context of North American and West European historical experience, culture, and political economy. Recognizing this fact, Estelle James proposes, among other things, a widening of the research arena. This response to her proposals argues that existing studies of nonprofits involved in international development already provide significant comparative evidence that can enrich existin…
Decentralisation for international NGOs
The work of international non-profitmaking non-governmental development organisations (NGOs) challenges them to adopt a decentralised structure. We know little, however, about how this decentralisation is organised, and even less about its impacts on NGO performance. Based on studies in southern Africa, this article identifies the gains and losses associated with the choice to decentralise. It goes on to pose questions about decentralisation as a…
The Role of NGOs in Changing State‐Society Relations
Building partnerships between Northern and Southern development NGOs
The number of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) involved in development in the North and the South has increased dramatically over the last ten years, provoking calls for new partnerships between them. But Southern NGOs have often been disadvantaged in the search for true NGO partnerships, because they know too little about their Northern counterparts. This article therefore describes some important features of Northern NGOs. It then goes on …
Distant obligations
This article offers speculative answers to two inter‐related questions of strategic importance for non‐governmental development organisations (NGOs). First, what is the long‐term scenario for their funding, particularly for NGOs in the poorer countries of the South and especially in Africa? Second, what, if any, is the likely relationship between NGO financing and the rapid growth of a global capitalist market? Answers to these questions are arri…
Decentralisation for international NGOs
The work of international non-profitmaking non-governmental development organisations (NGOs) challenges them to adopt a decentralised structure. We know little, however, about how this decentralisation is organised, and even less about its impacts on NGO performance. Based on studies in southern Africa, this article identifies the gains and losses associated with the choice to decentralise. It goes on to pose questions about decentralisation as a…
Shorter Notices
SHORTER NOTICES Get access ALAN FOWLER ALAN FOWLER Manchester Metropolitan University Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar The English Historical Review, Volume CXIII, Issue 451, April 1998, Pages 550–551, https://doi.org/10.1093/ehr/CXIII.451.550 Published: 01 April 1998
The remarkable rise and long decline of the cotton factory times
(1998). The remarkable rise and long decline of the cotton factory times. Media History: Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 141-159
Whither the Third Sector? A Response to Estelle James
Nonprofit research and resulting theory have evolved in a limited context of North American and West European historical experience, culture, and political economy. Recognizing this fact, Estelle James proposes, among other things, a widening of the research arena. This response to her proposals argues that existing studies of nonprofits involved in international development already provide significant comparative evidence that can enrich existin…
Authentic NGDO Partnerships in the New Policy Agenda for International Aid
Since the 1970s, 'partnership' has been an aspiration for relationships amongst non-governmental organizations involved in international development (NGDOs). Unfortunately, NGDOs have shown little ability to form equitable relations, or true partnership, amongst themselves. The first part of this article examines why. The new policy agenda for international aid emphasizes contract-based relationships which will make real partnerships even more di…
Lancashire to Westminster
Viewpoint Relevance in the twenty-first century
(1999). Viewpoint Relevance in the twenty-first century: The case for devolution and global association of international NGOs. Development in Practice: Vol. 9, No. 1-2, pp. 143-151
Introduction Beyond Partnership
Since the seventies, 'partnership' has been a guiding idea for the quality of relationships that many NGDOs were looking for.In its original expression, partnership was understood as a code word reflecting humanitarian, moral, political, ideological or spiritual solidarity between NGDOs in the North and South that joined together to pursue a common cause of social change.'It signalled an alliance between NGDOs of the North and South in favour of …
NGO futures
(2000). NGO futures: Beyond aid: NGDO values and the fourth position. Third World Quarterly: Vol. 21, No. 4, pp. 589-603
NGO strategies beyond aid
Though unevenly spread, many developing countries are experiencing a decline in aid flows. This paper explores and compares NGDO responses in regions and countries in or entering a 'beyond-aid scenario'. The comparison shows that, despite a diversity of contexts and histories, the quest for self-sustainability has become a common and dominant concern. Within a framework of options, examples show what is being attempted in terms of NGDOs altering …
NGDOs as a moment in history
NGDOs are the product of an era that is rapidly passing. Yet the common goals they strive towards remain relevant and are far from being realised. Poverty, inequity, insecurity and injustice were stubborn features of the old world order and are abiding features of the new. A brief history of NGDOs and of the radical shifts in the context where international development takes place shows that the goals NGDOs typically aspire to cannot be reached b…
Civil Society Research Funding from a Global Perspective
This paper adopts a global perspective to review the current situation with respect to the systematic study of civil society. It locates the analysis in a geohistorical framework, arguing that, as a distinct area of scholarship, contemporary civil society research is a “two-track” post-Cold War phenomenon exhibiting major shortcomings. A new type of dedicated research financing and process of allocation could redress today’s research limitations …
Leading learning and change from the middle
When implementing a transformational global vision and mission, three problems typically confront international NGOs: aligning different levels of planning and strategy; balancing global analysis and priorities against local realities; and identifying measures that both indicate progress and promote and encourage innovation. This article reports on the efforts of CARE International's Latin America Regional Management Unit to address these problem…
Neo-Historicism
Journal Article Neo‐Historicism: Studies in Renaissance Literature, History and Politics Get access Alastair Fowler Alastair Fowler Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar The English Historical Review, Volume 118, Issue 477, June 2003, Pages 783–785, https://doi.org/10.1093/ehr/118.477.783 Published: 01 June 2003
Civil Society Theory
Community, Types of
Embedding the War on Terror
The global war on terror was used by the Bush administration and its allies to defend a US dominated geopolitical configuration. To this end, counter-terrorism measures (CTMs) were introduced which strengthened the alignment of development aid with diplomacy and defence. The broad, adverse effects of CTMs on civil liberties and human rights are well documented. Despite the advent of a new US administration and a 'soft power' approach to internati…
Learning and development
Partners in Development: The Report of the Commission on International Development, Lester B. Pearson (Chairman), Praeger, 1969 Rural Development: Putting the Last First, Robert Chambers, Longman
Development NGOs
In the past two decades, “civil society” has become a central organizing concept in the social sciences. Occupying the middle ground between the state and private life, the civil sphere encompasses everything from associations to protests to church groups to nongovernmental organizations. Interest in the topic exploded with the decline of statism in the 1980s and 1990s, and many of our current debates about politics and social policy are informed…
Measuring Civil Society
International comparative research on civil society has subordinated Africa’s diversity and specificities to other geographies and histories. Results are prejudiced global conceptualisations, questionable enumeration, problematic theory formulation and ill-conceived approaches to development initiatives intended to make African civil society ‘stronger’ and states more democratic. This article sets out a case for an endogenous approach to civil so…
The Virtuous Spiral
'The Virtuous Spiral is without doubt a most welcome addition to the body of knowledge that will continue to be highly valued in the NGO sector.' Ezra Limiri Mbogori, Director, Mwelekeo wa NGO (MWENGO), Harare 'Fowler demonstrates how development NGOs can engage in a virtuous spiral of performance-based learning that regenerates public trust. This is a timely book, dealing squarely with the confidence crisis faced by many NGOs in the South and No…
Understanding Organizational Sustainability through African Proverbs
Political science (27 obras) · Sociology (17 obras) · International Development and Aid (16 obras) · Economics (15 obras) · Politics (13 obras) · Law (12 obras) · Religion, Society, and Development (12 obras) · Tourism, Volunteerism, and Development (11 obras) · Civil society (10 obras) · Economic growth (8 obras)