Europe and the other: Non-European concepts of civil society
The idea and contributions of this collection of articles on “Non-European concepts of civil society” originate from a European research project. The European Civil Society Network (CiSoNet) deals with a highly important aspect of European integration and enlargement, namely, the emergence, dynamics, and perspectives of a European-wide civil society. Ci- SoNet is embedded in the EC’s 5th Framework Programme’s Key Action on “Improving the socio-economic knowledge base”, spanning a period of work from 2003 to 2005. Its aim is to stimulate cross-disciplinary research concentrating on transnational dimensions of civil society, and thereby to contribute to the establishment of a European research area within the social sciences and the humanities.
Book Review : L'Etat En Afrique
Discussion et critique de l'ouvrage de J. F. Bayart, " l'Etat en Afrique, la politique du ventre " (Paris, Fayard, 1989)
Ten Years of Public Interest Disclosure Legislation in the UK: Are Whistleblowers Adequately Protected?
Purpose The purpose of this article is to assess the operation of the UK’s Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA 1998) during its first 10 years and to consider its implications for the whistleblowing process. Method The article sets the legislation into context by discussing the common law background. It then gives detailed consideration to the statutory provisions and how they have been interpreted by the courts and tribunals. Results In assessing the impact of the legislation’s approach to whistleblowing both in the UK and elsewhere, the author draws upon empirical research. Conclusion The author concludes that PIDA 1998 has not adequately protected whistleblowers and makes 12 recommendations for change. Despite the European Commission’s acknowledgement that whistleblowers can play a part in the fight against corruption, the author notes that common standards for their protection still seem a long way off.