Global civil society and a structural analysis of international NGOs's virtual networks

Abstract

This dissertation sought to examine the virtual structure of global civil society via three theoretical frameworks: World System Theory, World Polity Theory and the current discussion of Network Society. Virtual interactions among 509 INGOs originating from 86 different countries and regions of the world were collected through data mining technology. Findings showed that, respectively, the three theories were significant at macro, meso and micro levels. Furthermore, this study showed that the collective consequence of technology use and the logics of network significantly affected the structure of the virtual networks of global civil society. Findings also revealed a trend of international inequality and Western dominance in the global civil arena. Theoretical and methodological implications were presented in the end.