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VOL. 12, ISSUE 1 (2026)
The role and functions of non-governmental organizations in political and social crisis contexts in developing countries: An empirical study
Authors
Md Arefin Elahee
Abstract
Developing countries experience a
disproportionate share of political instability, social fragmentation, and
humanitarian crises. Weak state institutions, economic vulnerability, and
historical inequalities intensify the effects of conflict, governance
breakdown, and social unrest. In such contexts, Non-Governmental Organizations
(NGOs) have emerged as central actors in crisis response, governance
substitution, and social stabilization. This study empirically examines the
evolving roles and functions of NGOs in political and social crisis contexts
across developing countries. Using a mixed-methods research design combining
cross-national survey data from NGOs operating in Africa, South Asia, and the
Middle East with qualitative interviews and field-level evidence, the study
identifies four core NGO functions: humanitarian service delivery, governance
substitution, political advocacy, and social cohesion building. The findings
reveal that while NGOs significantly enhance short-term resilience and service
access, their expanding governance role generates tensions related to
legitimacy, accountability, and long-term state capacity. The article
contributes to debates on crisis governance, civil society, and development by
situating NGOs as hybrid actors whose influence reshapes political and social
order in developing countries.
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Pages:70-73
How to cite this article:
Md Arefin Elahee "The role and functions of non-governmental organizations in political and social crisis contexts in developing countries: An empirical study". International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Research, Vol 12, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 70-73
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