Civil Society and Traditional Communities (abstract)

Does a true civil society exist in Yemen? To answer this question the author examines if the structure and function of traditional communities in Yemen match with the common criteria used to define modern civil society, such as the definition of Alexis Tocqueville who emphasizes voluntary aspects and autonomy of action. According to these definitions, a proper civil society is independent of political power; defends community members, the justice system and the principle of citizenship, contr..