Akwasi Aidoo

The long search for enduring success

The overriding idea that tugged at me as I read these illuminating articles and interviews is that efforts by donors to improve democracy and strengthen civil society are the litmus test of their relevance, humility and commitment. The articles speak to the unsurprising fact that democracy and civil society reflect values, beliefs and practices that are intrinsically shaped by context, even if they are also connected with broad universal standards and existential concerns. Hence, there is never (and should never be) a one-size-fits-all approach.