Abstract:
This concluding essay frames the actual and potential role of civil society actors in
terms of institutional theory, complemented by Gramscian thought. Global finance is conceived as
an institutionalized field in need of structural change triggered by institutional entrepreneurs.
Reviewing the nature of problems, it becomes clear that only a wide—if probably quite loose—
coalition of different actors will effect the necessary profound change. However, no such
coalition is in view today. Issues related to power, wealth, and ideology are put forward as a
possible explanation. We then explore the relevance of Gramsci’s theory of the ‘modern prince’as
a challenger of ‘cultural hegemony’ for a response to these problems. We suppose that civil
society actors have a fair chance to accomplish societal reconstruction, provided that they step
up the effort in a more coordinated way and take into account the inevitable conflict it will generate.
