This book investigates the complex interplay between civil society, citizenship, and welfare states across different national contexts. It presents comparative studies examining civil society regimes in relation to varying constructions of citizenship and welfare states, and explores the role of civil society in governance and citizen participation. The first part focuses on institutional frameworks and regimes, discussing methodologies for cross-country comparisons and identifying common or divergent trends in national civil societies. The second part delves into civil society as a driver of citizen participation and a pathway for democracy, analyzing how it is crucial for democratic functioning and the exercise of citizenship.

This collection of studies offers a rigorous comparative examination of civil society's multifaceted roles. The contributions provide valuable insights into the institutional frameworks of civil societies and their connections to citizenship and welfare state models. By drawing on international comparisons, the book elucidates the critical functions civil society serves in fostering democratic participation and the active exercise of citizenship. The work is positioned as a significant resource for scholars and policymakers interested in the dynamics of civil society in a global context.