The Role of International ngos in the Development of Democracy in Rural China: An Empirical Study

Abstract

The involvement of international non-governmental organizations ( INGO s) in the efforts to develop democracy is a global phenomenon in the context of globalization. INGO s have played a part in the development of democracy in rural China. Given domestic reformers’ technical need for village elections, the important role of village elections, and the vision of INGO s for boosting democracy, INGO s have sought cooperation with the government and reached where village elections are held with their resources to provide financial, technical, intellectual and other support for pushing forward elections and the reform. To some extent, these INGO s have contributed to the development of democracy in rural China. However, the large-scale fast movement of people in China has resulted in a large number of “vacant” villages. Against such a backdrop, INGO s have shown less interest in village elections and shifted some of their attention to other areas. In the process of developing democracy, China should adopt an open and rational attitude towards the INGO s, take advantage of their strengths, and avoid considering them either angels or demons.