Revolution, Representation, and Authoritarianism: Beyond Arab Exceptionalism in Egypt

This book examines Egypt's turbulent and contradictory political period (2011-2015) as key to understanding contemporary politics in the country and the developments in the Arab region after the mass protests in 2010/11. It provides rare insights into local and national ideas on politics, justice, and identity and analyzes how the creation of an alternate political system was discussed and negotiated among the Egyptian population, the military, the government, public figures, the media, and international actors. It also recalls the emotions and perceptions of individuals and collectives and interlinks these local perspectives to national events and developments through time.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 276 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into Egypt's turbulent and complex political landscape from 2011 to 2015, serving as a vital lens for understanding contemporary politics within the country and the broader developments in the Arab region following the mass protests of 2010/11. By examining this critical period, the book offers groundbreaking insights into political representation, challenging traditional theories and providing innovative analysis of disenchantment with politics, democracy fatigue, and social cohesion.

Drawing from five years of extensive fieldwork, the author offers rare and insightful perspectives on local and national ideas about politics, justice, and identity, shedding light on how individuals and communities in Egypt perceive themselves and their country in the broader regional and global context. The book meticulously analyzes the complex negotiations and discussions that took place among various stakeholders, including the Egyptian population, the military, the government, public figures, the media, and international actors, as they sought to establish an alternative political system.

Despite these efforts, Egypt now finds itself under a new political regime that stands as one of the most repressive in its modern history. The book explores the emotions and perceptions of individuals and collectives, intertwining these local perspectives with national events and developments over time. By doing so, it provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics that shaped Egypt's political landscape during this transformative period.

This book holds immense value for scholars and students engaged in the study of democratization and authoritarianism, Middle East Studies, political representation, informal politics, collective action, and cultural studies, as well as international relations. It offers a wealth of information and analysis that will deepen our understanding of the complex dynamics shaping contemporary politics in the Middle East and beyond.

Weight: 446g
Dimension: 233 x 156 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032010663