Barriers to Citizen Engagement in Developing Countries

Abstract

Abstract Developing countries often face distinct and formidable challenges in their efforts to build citizen engagement and democratic governance processes. In this article, we examine these challenges and consider how they relate to international efforts to foster democratic governance in developing countries. We consider the impact on developing nations of external incentives, the absence of democratic culture and civil society, profound poverty, time pressures and demands for immediate results, and the lack of an institutional infrastructure. We find that existing international aid programs may, in some instances, actually work to thwart citizen engagement efforts. We conclude by suggesting how a realistic recognition of the barriers to citizen engagement in developing countries can inform international efforts to foster democratic governance.