Egypt
Latest from USIP on Egypt
- February 6, 2013 | Publication
Countries transitioning to democracy must change old models of organizing the police, armed services, and intelligence services, which typically were characterized by mistreatment of the public, for models that stress transparency, accountability, and citizen involvement. Yet each new government in the Middle East and North Africa must tailor its reforms carefully and patiently in order to avoid backlash among security services.
- February 5, 2013 | Publication
The Iranian president arrived in Cairo today, the latest in a series of exchanges that suggest mending ties. An analysis on USIP’s Iran Primer website explains why the relationship still has its limits.
- February 1, 2013 | Publication
Violent street protests in Egypt recently seem to have veered out of control of either President Mohammed Morsi or his political opponents, and his overture to amend the new constitution may not help. USIP Senior Fellow Holger Albrecht examines the rapidly unfolding events.
- January 29, 2013 | Publication
Dr. Holger Albrecht is an assistant professor of political science at the American University in Cairo and Jennings Randolph senior fellow (2012-2013). His main research focus is on political opposition in the authoritarian regimes, transition to democracy, and civil-military relations in the Middle East and North Africa. His new book, “Raging Against the Machine: Political Opposition under Authoritarianism in Egypt,” is forthcoming with Syracuse University Press.
Overview
Since former President Mubarak caved to popular pressure and stepped down from power on February 11, 2011, Egypt has been struggling to define the terms of a new democratic order. Parliamentary elections held between November and January concluded with a win for the Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party, with the more religiously-conservative Al-Nour party taking the second largest share of seats. The agenda for the country’s political transition is an ambitious one in 2012, to include a further round of parliamentary elections, the drafting of a new constitution, and a presidential election in June. The currently-ruling military council has pledged to release power to a civilian government by the end of 2012, but many in Egypt question their intention to uphold this promise.
In this uncertain environment, challenges abound for Egyptians as they chart the transitional road ahead and adjust to their role in a more open society. As stakeholders jostle for power, interest groups work to have input into the political process, and the bleak economic picture threatens to get worse before it gets better, the potential for violent conflict across sectarian, ideological, and socio-economic fault-lines increases. USIP’s goal in Egypt is to engage with local stakeholders and work with contending groups as they seek to define practical solutions for promoting a peaceful transition in their country.
- The Arab Awakening
As the dramatic events of the Arab Spring turn to the more mundane yet vital work of governance, constitution writing and peacebuilding, USIP is on the ground, bringing its unique brand of action and expertise to the effort.
Work & Analysis
In the Field | January 2012
Egypt on the Eve of the Commemoration of the Uprising
On the eve of the one-year commemoration of Egypt’s uprising, U.S. Institute of Peace fellow Robin Wright spent ten days in Cairo interviewing the new spectrum of political players, from the protesters camping out at Tahrir Square to the new Muslim Brotherhood and Salafi Members of Parliament as well as former al-Jihad extremists released from decades in jail. | Read more
News Feature | January 2012
The Arab Awakening and its Aftermath: How to Shape the Path Ahead
A discussion at the Reserve Officers Association headquarters with USIP’s Steve Hadley and Carnegie’s Marwan Muasher. | Read more
On the Issues by Sheldon Himelfarb | January 4, 2012
Media and Peacebuilding: Trends in 2011 and Looking Ahead to 2012
Sheldon Himelfarb, the director of USIP's Center of Innovation: Media, Conflict, and Peacebuilding and the Center of Innovation: Science, Technology and Peacebuilding, discusses trends of 2011 and looks ahead to what's in store for the new year regarding conflict and new media technology. | Read more
See more Publications & Tools on Egypt
Get Involved with USIP
- View upcoming public events at USIP
- Visit the USIP Newsroom
- Receive latest USIP news and analysis in your email
- Learn about training and courses at the USIP Academy
Interact with USIP
