Is the iron law of oligarchy rusting away in the Third World?

Abstract

This article reexamines Robert Michels's iron law of oligarchy in relation to the proliferation of indigenous nongovernment organizations (NGOs) in the Third World in recent years. It explores the characteristics of grassroots organizations (GROs), horizontal networks between GROs, grassroots support organisations (GRSOs) and horizontal GRSO networks that reinforce democratic rather than oligarchic tendencies. Next it examines the vertical relationships between GROs and GRSOs that mitigate against interorganizational oligarchy. The article concludes that horizontal and vertical ties between NGOs reinforce the democratic characteristics of individual NGOs. The iron law, in other words, is not inevitable. This conclusion also has implications for international aid policies.