This lecture explores the concept of civil society in the Middle East, focusing on its absence, definition, and structure before and after the 'Arab Spring'. Case studies from Palestine, Syria, Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria are analyzed, shedding light on the complexities of societal organization. The presentation also delves into the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet in 2015 and the role of civil society in Syria from 2000 to 2011.