ABSTRACT
The analysis of Asian Development Bank (ADB) policy reform processes, using the methods of process-tracing, preference attainment and attributed influence, indicates significant civil society influence resulting in improved accountability, more transparency, and broadened participation. The Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Forum on ADB and other Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have both engaged in protest activities and taken part in formal consultations with very detailed and specific demands on ADB policy reforms. Many civil society demands and suggestions are reflected in ADB's policy documents and interviewed representatives of ADB and CSOs testify to the substantial civil society input in the processes. Civil society actors promoting political liberalization may have relatively strong influence on Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and other International Organisations (IOs) because they do not challenge capitalist interests and state sovereignty in a fundamental way. Promoting transparency and accountability, they can even find some aligned interests with powerful state and business actors.
