An assessment of the role of civil society in the early phase of democratic consolidation: a comparative analysis of Glas 99 in Croatia and Otpor in Serbia

This article analyses the impact of civil society on the beginning of the final stage of the democratization process – consolidation – in Croatia and Serbia (1999-2000). I start with a theoretical explanation of the concept of democratization and elaborate its specific nature in two countries of the Western Balkans – Croatia and Serbia. By introducing the concept of civil society, I show that not only formal governmental institutions play an important role in the consolidation process, but organised citizens too, play a crucial role in consolidation. I use the concept of political opportunity structure, which I apply to political change in Croatia and Serbia. The theoretical overview of the debates of consolidation and civil society is sup-ported by two cases where civil society has been crucial: Croatia and Serbia. The article demonstrates how organised attempts of citizens can change political regimes and introduce democracy as “the only game in town”. I argue that civil society has, due to its functions, been the most efficient factor in making democratic consolidation possible.