What constitutes civil Society as a crucial cornerstone of liberal Democracy?

The work explores the essential components of a vibrant civil society and its critical role in fostering liberal democracy. It challenges the notion that a flourishing civil society can hinder democratic development, arguing instead that it must promote fundamentally democratic values. The research focuses on Michael Edwards' three models of civil society—associational life, the good society, and the public sphere—while contrasting these with the broader concept of social capital. The study aims to identify the key elements of civil society that support the emergence of genuine liberal democracy.