It is often argued that enhanced consultation of civil society may contribute to the democratization of European and global governance. This collection investigates whether this theoretical argument is supported by empirical evidence. Ten original essays analyze current patterns of civil society consultation in thirty two inter-governmental organizations and regimes, concluding that while civil society consultation has great potential, most institutional arrangements developed so far fall short of realizing its democratizing capacity.

It is often argued that the enhanced consultation of civil society contributes to the democratization of European and global governance. This collection investigates whether this theoretical argument is supported by empirical evidence. Ten original essays analyze current patterns of civil society consultation in 32 intergovernmental organizations.