Nora Derbal Livres

Exploring the dynamics of civil society in Saudi Arabia, this book challenges the perception of a strictly authoritarian state by examining grassroots initiatives like charities and volunteer groups. It emphasizes a bottom-up perspective, revealing how ordinary citizens navigate and respond to governmental control and social events. The author draws on personal experiences, particularly from the 2009 Jeddah floods, to advocate for a nuanced understanding of state-society relations, highlighting the agency and vibrancy of social life in the kingdom despite its rigid political landscape.