Advocacy INGOs in multi-ethnic societies

Abstract

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] Advocacy INGOs are optimistically seen as campaigners for democracy and human rights. They create a narrative around democratic ideals and support local civil society groups in mobilizing for their rights. This dissertation puts some of these promises to the test by looking at whether advocacy INGOs are as effective in multi-ethnic societies. Each of the four chapters looks at a different aspect of this relationship. I find that advocacy INGOs increase popular protests in multi-ethnic societies by bringing ethnic groups together. However, there is no such effect on non-violent ethnic mobilization. I also find that while INGO presence has no effect on overall social trust within the community, it does improve inter-ethnic relations by increasing inter-ethnic trust. Advocacy INGOs need to actively engage with ethnic groups and be inclusive in their work in order to benefit minority ethnic groups.