Civil society is a term that sometimes has contradictory meanings.
In Western states, the so-called civil society is regarded as an influential third sector (alongside private companies and the state sector).508 As a rule, associations, foundations, trade unions, churches, and powerful NGOs are seen as influential actors of civil society. Actors from civil society like to present themselves in the media as lobbyists for democracy, society, or the common good. With this narrative, they exert great influence on the media.509
According to the inventor of the term, the neo-Marxist Antonio Gramsci, the term “societá civile” encompasses all non-state organisations that have influence on “common sense and public opinion”.510
Today, the term is often used by woke activists, frequently for narratives about solidarity and democracy.
To lend themselves legitimacy, the activists intertwine the sensible fight against right-wing extremism with woke activism.511 Superficially independent projects propagate similar demands and attitudes; frequently identity politics and climate justice. There is no transparency about the state-co-financed organisational structures. The Amadeu Antonio Foundation (AAS) is an illustrative example: the AAS receives millions from tax money and aims to strengthen a “democratic civil society against right-wing extremism, racism, and antisemitism”.512 To this end, it initiates numerous campaigns, builds up organisations such as the “Institute for Democracy and Civil Society”, defames conservative voices on its blog “Belltower News”, and sets up reporting offices.513
State support for civil society organisations is to be massively expanded according to the SPD in the name of democracy promotion and integration.514 From previous practice, it is obvious which attitudes are to be strengthened. In addition to the state and large US private foundations, German foundations such as the Mercator Foundation also support woke activists with high millions.515 Public campaigns therefore do not reflect the viewpoint of the average population; even if a considerable number of people can be mobilised for demonstrations. The actual support for wokeness is low outside of NGO-affiliated, academic, and state-affiliated circles. Not without reason are demands for direct democracy regarded as populist.