BETWEEN STATE AND RELIGION: RETHINKING CIVIL SOCIEY AND CIVIL STATE AFTER THE ARAB REVOLTS

Abstract

This article is a reflection on the historical moment of the first months of 2011 that catches
a glimpse, behind the revolutionary social movement, of the endogenous framework of an
emerging civil society calling for a civil state. The author revisits the concept of “civil society”
– beyond the structured or institutionalized forms of NGOs supported by international aid –
to extend it to more spontaneous or informal forms (the family circle, the religious sphere) It is then possible to see the complex role of religion particularly in the collective action. Finally, the article defends the idea that a civil state can be a practical and endogenous solution
apt to articulate a constructive relationship between religion and politics