Today globalisation, market based ideologies andinternational donor policies are increasinglydefining the meaning and action of civil societyacross the world. It is in this context that "CivilSociety and Development: Evolution, Influences and Practice,"unravels the origin, evolution and the inherenttension within civil society and its ramificationsfor societal development. In what way will partnerships and alliances influencewhat civil society is and does? The study tries toanswer this question by comparing the way World Bankand DFID operationalise their relationship with civilsociety. Balancing theoretical conceptualization andits contemporary practice -this monograph is aimed atto all those interested in the enquiry andperformance of civil society.