It is important to realize that the world will never be conflict-free. Ways must be found to deal with conflict, short of mass violence. Fulfilling the promise of democracy requires informed, proactive, and sustained efforts to prevent deadly conflict through just solutions and improved living conditions. There is a positive correlation between open market economies and democratic transitions. Civil society builds democracy by allowing the evolution of democratic values through non-violent conflict.
Groups compete with each other and with the state for the power to carry out their specific agendas.
Within the context of institutionalized competition, tolerance and acceptance of opposition develop. Civil society provides the opportunity for coalitions of individuals to undertake innovative activities, e.g., in the service of equal opportunity or protection of human rights. Education of the public about free societies, i.e., democracy, democratic institutions, and markets. Fair elections at both the national and local level. The establishment of national and local legislative bodies.