Civil society organizations (CSO) have become a dynamic part of Uruguayan society since the return to democratic rule in the late 1980s. Civil society must continue to increase its effectiveness and efficiency as the state withdraws from its traditionally paternalistic role. Uruguay faces the challenges of improving existing legislation in order to encourage the growth of civil society and encouraging increased coordination among civil society organizations, the state, and the private market. Leaders, activists, scholars and citizens are working to remove the weaknesses of Uruguay's CSO and develop strategies for strengthening civil society as a whole.
--Author's foreword.
