While Lebanon has absorbed tens of thousands of refugees fleeing the conflict in neighboring Syria in recent months, many people are living in overcrowded conditions, suffering psychological distress, are fearful for their safety, and are unable to afford medical care.

The new situation created by the 2011 "Arab Spring" goes to the heart of relations between associations, NGOs and governments. Indeed, populations have been placing increased pressure on the majority of Arab countries, partly due to the profound transformation of the voluntary sector. A book edited by Caroline Abu-Sada and Benedict Challand, which was written for the most part before the beginning of the acceleration of the mobilizations against the regimes, includes six studies that can help better understand these recent events.

Most Arab regimes are now facing extreme pressure from their populations. Their authoritarianism, as well as their ability to produce development and social welfare, are being questioned, while unemployment, social insecurity and poverty are making their societies more fragile. How do development associations, which have proliferated in recent years, participate in the new situation created by the "Arab Spring" of 2011?