There is a “rich history of civil society” in the Middle East — and a strong record of “informal participation” in social, economic and political life. Discuss, with specific examples, mindful of “layered authority” in the region.

 There is a “rich history of civil society” in the Middle East — and a strong record of “informal participation” in social, economic and political life. Discuss, with specific examples, mindful of “layered authority” in the region.