This volume presents a comparison of the experiences of NGOs in China and Europe. The chapters on China contain the most comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of various types of NGOs currently active in the country. The contributions on foreign NGOs in China, non-governmental think tanks, public interest legal organizations, labour related NGOs and charity organizations, are the first in English to discuss successful experiences as well as the difficulties they face in the post-Mao era. The European studies draw examples from countries where the experiences of NGOs are at various stages of development. The section on NGOs in Central and Eastern Europe examines the rapid expansion of civil society and their pivotal role in promoting political change and building democracy in a transitional society, as well as the challenges they confront in advancing a strong civil society. Those chapters on NGOs' experiences in Western European countries, especially in the Netherlands and the UK, provide insightful information and examination of the most contentious issues concerning NGOs' accountability, governance and relationship with the government.

1: Introduction: Challenges and Opportunities for NGOs in Different Parts of the World; I: NGOs in the Context of China; 2: International NGOs in China: Current Situation, Impacts and Response of the Chinese Government; 3: The Development and Institutional Environment of Non-Governmental Think Tanks in China; 4: Development of Charities in China Since the Reform and Opening Up; 5: The Development of Women's NGOs in China; 6: Public Interest Legal Organizations in China: Current Situation and Prospect for Future Development; 7: A Review of the Development of Labour Organization in China in the 30 Years Since the Reform and Opening Up; II: Civil Society Organizations in Europe; 8: The Voluntary Sector and Government: Perspectives from the UK; 9: Creating an Enabling Environment for NGOs in Central and Eastern Europe; 10: Socially Responsible NGOs? A European Perspective; 11: The Role and Organization of Voluntary Action; 12: Oversight on Fundraising by NPOs: Dutch Experiences with a European Perspective; 13: Civil Society in the Czech Republic; 14: Learning for a Lifetime: NGOs, Capacity Building and Non-Profit Education in Eastern Europe; 15: The International Human Rights Movement: Not Perfect, but a Lot Better than Many Governments Think