The most learned, erudite, and encompassing book on the global civil society of this century.' Amitai Etzioni, author of The New Golden Rule 'John Keane's book is an imaginative and productive experiment in contemporary democratic thinking. It is challenging and provocative, and it provides structured orientation in a wide, confusing and unsettled field.' Hans-Jürgen Puhle, University of Frankfurt 'John Keane has applied his sharp intellect and moral commitments to a topic of political importance but persistent conceptual confusion to produce a book of forceful clarity and coherence. A sparkling contribution to contemporary political thought.' Bryan Turner, University of Cambridge '… really thought-provoking in addressing a number of issues that we confront in a contemporary world that is becoming more interdependent and volatile than ever … the book is genuinely stimulating and enjoyable in many respects. The space here is too short to summarise its rich arguments, and readers are invited to take their own look.' Development Policy Review