Civil Society

The term civil society does not have a fixed definition, and is in fact very difficult to define. Depending on what one considers to be civil society, it can be defined in many different ways. However, most agree that civil society is not business, and is not government. It can be thought of as a space in which organizations, individuals, and groups interact and share ideas. It can also foster social movements.

In the MENA region, there are many restrictions on civil society. Some countries fear the threat civil society may present, and try to limit its activity. However, in cases like the Arab Spring uprisings and the first intifada, civil society can bring about large-scale social movements despite the constraints.

Civil society can provide avenues for frustrated or dissatisfied citizens to unite with others and demand changes from their government. These demands sometimes escalate to full-scale social movements, but sometimes are quelled after the demands are met, or are crushed by the regime.