Regime Changes and Civil Society in Twentieth-Century Portugal

Civil society is a frequently understudied, yet crucial actor in transitions to democracy. In Portuguese political history, civil society has traditionally been a marginalized actor. During and immediately after the transition to democracy (1974–76), civil society was unable to develop strong organizations. Yet, while Portuguese civil society played a secondary role during the immediate transition period, voluntary associations and organizations formed and stabilized after 1976, once democratic institutions were established. Thus, even though political institutions were not favourable for the development of a strong civil society for most of Portugal's history, an organized civil society (although still weak) is emerging under the new democratic regime.