《Civil Society》是一部探討公民自發行動與公共生活的經典著作，也是理解「公民社會」不可或缺的重要文本。面對近年來席捲全球的抗議運動與社會動盪，本書提醒我們：真正能長期塑造社會的力量，往往並不只存在於街頭或新聞焦點中，而是深植於人們日常參與的志願組織、社群與公民網絡之中。Civil Society has become a standard work of reference for anyone seeking to understand the role of voluntary citizen action in shaping society.Recent waves of global unrest have highlighted the visibility and impact of social movements and street protests in world politics. Yet, as this lucid and accessible book demonstrates, the real power of citizens more often flows through everyday participation in voluntary associations, community groups, and civic networks—forms of “normal” civic life that rarely make headlines. This is the deeper, underlying story of civil society.In this updated edition, Michael Edwards examines key developments that have rapidly transformed the civic landscape in recent years. These include the growing intersections between civil society and the market, such as social enterprises and “venture philanthropy,” as well as the
