How is modern civil society created? There are few contemporary studies on this important
question and when it is addressed scholars tend to emphasize the institutional environment
that facilitates a modern civil society. However there is a need for a new perspective on this
issue. Contemporary China where a modern civil society remains in a nascent stage offers a
valuable site to seek new answers. Through a comparative analysis of nongovernmental
organizations (NGOs) in today's China this study shows the importance of the human factor
notably the NGO leadership in the establishment of a modern civil society. In particular in
recognition of the social nature of NGOs this study engages in a comparative examination of
Chinese NGO leaders' state linkage media connections and international ties in order to better
understand how each factor contributes to effective NGOs.
