Focus on the structural area: pending goal or prohibited ground for Civil Society Organizations? Experiences of Mexico and Ecuador in the energy sector

Abstract

Despite the flourishing of the issue of the “incidence of civil society organizations” (CSOs) in public policies, the reality shows a rough picture. This article looks into the Mexican and Ecuadoran cases, assessing the real possibilities of influencing structural reforms such as those of the energy sector. Not being able to participate on issues related to the people tells that these CSOs are in the outer spectrum of influence. Based on what is analyzed here, big economic enterprises not only are the real actors in the decision making process but also the ones who are engaging in monopolistic behavior. In this context, neither CSOs nor social movements have much effect and influence. However, current public polling and a coordinated effort of societal groups might generate proper course of political initiatives to move away from this current trend.