Introduction

During the last decades we have been spectators to the vigorous development of non-governmental organizations ("NGOs") on the world stage.[1] NGOs have increased in size, funds, activities, and scope of their activities; becoming central players in the day-to-day decision-making process in a very wide ambit of areas. Anyone searching in the press for information available during recent years may find articles discussing pro-environmental organizations blocking roads or organizing marches against the World Trade Organization's summits. The articles and the activities themselves suggest ...