ineffective democratic state during transitional period, the violently polarized and confrontational civil society can destabilize or even undermine democracy. I agree with Sheri Berman that if neo-Tocquevilleans misunderstand the true connections between civil society and democracy, the policy prescription they offer should be called into question. 19 To respond to current dissatisfaction with the quality of democracy in many countries, many thinkers have argued that the solution lies in generating local associational life. This prescription may prove to be both misguided and counterproductive. A crucial question arises: how is a divisive civil society, which may be destructive to democracy, be replaced by a peaceful civil society? The next section will discuss the significance of the notion of civility and the civil politics of Edward Shils.