Examining the history of social movements and non-state socio-political action, this volume shows how Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have proliferated in Britain since 1945, and how they have raised new political agendas, revived associational life, and arguably re-politicized generations disillusioned with the politics of the ballot box.

Introduction; J.McKay & M.Hilton Peace: Direct Action and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, 1958-62; J.Burkett International Aid and Development: British Humanitarian, Aid and Development NGOs, 1949-Present; C.Saunders Women: Housewives, Workers and Citizens: Voluntary Women's Organizations and the Campaign for Women's Rights in England and Wales during the Post-war Period; C.Beaumont Sexual Politics: The Sphere of Sexual Politics: the Abortion Law Reform Association, 1930s to 1960s; S.Brooke Gay Rights: Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual NGOs in Britain: Past, Present and Future; M.Waites Human Rights: Human Rights Campaigns in Modern Britain; T.Buchanan Anti-Apartheid: The Anti-Apartheid Movement: Pressure Group Politics, International Solidarity and Transnational Activism; R.Skinner Poverty: Stopping the Poor Getting Poorer: the Establishment and Professionalisation of Poverty NGOs, 1945-95; T.Evans Drugs: The Changing Role of NGOs in Britain: Voluntary Action and Illegal Drugs; A.Mold Reactionaries: There was Something About Mary: The National Viewers' and Listeners' Association and Social Movement History; L.Black Environmentalism: Environmental NGOs and the Environmental Movement in England; C.Rootes Fair Trade: NGOs and Fair trade: the Social Movement behind the Label; M.Anderson NGOs and the State: Transforming a Divided Civil Society? Governance, Conflict Transformation and NGOs in Northern Ireland, 1970-2006; A.Mitchell Democracy: NGOs and Democratisation: Assessing Variation in the Internal Democratic Practices of NGOs; D.Halpin