Key Takeaways
• The Justice Department asked U.S. attorneys to plan investigations into the Open Society Foundations.
• Possible charges range from arson to material support of terrorism.
• The Open Society Foundations say the probe attacks free speech and civil society.
• Civil society includes nonprofits, clubs, and community groups that stand between people and the state.
• Experts warn that limiting civil society can weaken democracy.
U.S. Probe Tests Civil Society’s Strength
The Justice Department recently told more than six U.S. attorneys’ offices to draft plans to investigate the Open Society Foundations. These foundations get money from billionaire George Soros. The department considered charges from arson to supporting terrorism. However, the philanthropic group denies any wrongdoing. They say the move is a political attack meant to silence speech. In addition, they warn that this action threatens the First Amendment right to free speech and civil society.
What is civil society?
Civil society is the network of groups, communities and ties that sit between individuals and the modern state. It covers nonprofits, special interest groups, churches, labor unions, community clubs and foundations. In other words, civil society does not include government agencies or for-profit businesses. Instead, it brings people together to improve lives, raise funds, and support causes. Moreover, civil society creates space for citizens to speak up, volunteer, and work toward a common good.
Why civil society matters now
A healthy civil society helps sustain democracy. For example, it nurtures a free press, supports independent courts, and defends minority rights. Alexis de Tocqueville, a French visitor in 1835, marveled at Americans’ habit of forming voluntary associations. He saw churches, schools, missions and societies built by everyday citizens, not by government orders. This spirit of joining forces has powered U.S. democracy since its start. Indeed, civil society builds trust and encourages people to hold leaders accountable.
How authoritarians target civil society
Authoritarian leaders know civil society can threaten their grip on power. Yet they rarely ban all groups outright. Instead, they use subtle tactics to tame or control them. In China, the Communist Party sets up government-organized NGOs that look independent but answer to the state. In other countries, regimes restrict foreign funding, force heavy audits, and demand endless paperwork. They allow service groups like food banks to operate, while experts warn they shut down advocacy groups that push for human rights or labor rights. These methods weaken civil society’s ability to speak out and hold rulers in check.
Threats to U.S. civil society
The recent push to investigate the Open Society Foundations echoes some authoritarian tactics. Earlier this year, a presidential order barred public service workers in certain nonprofits from student loan forgiveness. The administration labeled some groups as having “substantial illegal purpose.” In addition, Congress held multiple hearings with titles accusing nonprofits of advancing radical agendas. After the murder of a conservative activist, a top official even threatened to go after foundations without proof of wrongdoing. These actions have raised alarms among scholars who study nonprofits. They worry that America may be drifting toward stricter controls on civil society.
What’s next for civil society in America?
At present, it remains unclear how far the probe into the Open Society Foundations will go. The president cannot strip nonprofit status on a whim. Supreme Court rules and federal law protect groups from sudden removal of benefits. Nonetheless, many experts are watching closely. They want to see whether U.S. civil society will resist these pressures, face more limits, or find ways to thrive. In any case, Americans who value a vibrant democracy will need to pay attention. A strong civil society depends on citizens who volunteer, speak up, and defend their right to organize.
FAQs
What groups belong to civil society?
Civil society includes nonprofit organizations, community clubs, churches, labor unions, foundations, volunteer groups and informal networks. It excludes government bodies and profit-seeking companies.
Why is the Justice Department probing the Open Society Foundations?
The department asked prosecutors to draft plans for possible charges ranging from arson to material support of terrorism. The probe stems from a senior official’s instruction, though no public evidence supports the allegations.
How does civil society protect democracy?
Civil society offers citizens a platform to speak, organize, and check government power. It supports free speech, encourages community action, and defends minority rights, all of which uphold democratic values.
How can people support civil society today?
Volunteering, joining local nonprofits, attending public meetings, and speaking out for free speech can all strengthen civil society. Citizens can also donate to causes and watch for attempts to limit organizing rights.