In 1961, President John F. Kennedy outlined a bold new policy of reform toward Latin America which gave commitments to work with Latin American governments to promote more progressive tax structures, institute meaningful land reform, democratize governments, strengthen civic organizations, and significantly reduce poverty. This Alliance for Progress was disbanded within 12 years however, as political situations in both the US and Latin America shifted. Three decades later, in 1995, NGOs and private businesses began partnering up for a new alliance for progress. Unlike Kennedys policy, private enterprise rather than government was now seen as a solution to many of the regions problems. Corporate social engagement (CSE) became and remains a buzzword. Salamon, one of the foremost experts on civil society, examines what forms this new movement is taking and how its implemented, why businesses are choosing to participate, variations between countries in their approach to such partnerships, and whether CSE has made any positive impact.
Brief and highly readable, the book offers a constructive critique of CSE and shows how civil society can exert positive and constructive influence on business practices.