ABSTRACT
Attempts to theorize the concept of global civil society, and related notions of global citizenship, solidarity, and globalization from below, are fraught with difficulties. These relate to the contested nature of the terms globalization and civil society, and the fact that there is considerable overlap in discussions concerning these terms. For example there is dispute over the extent to which globalization has eroded the power of the nation-state, which, in turn, relates to debates over whether the state is part of civil society. Such arguments are not just of academic significance - they are central to debates over strategies required to challenge the hegemony of both neo-liberalism (including its 'Third Way' variant) and capital. This will become clear in the discussion below.
