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Muslim Secular Democracy pp 233–251Cite as

Palgrave Macmillan

Voices of Dissent

Social Movements and Political Change in Egypt

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Abstract

Since January 2011, the world has witnessed the greatest expression of popular mobilization in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for over 30 years. In a number of countries, social movements encompassing broad sections of society have played a major role in mobilizing popular dissent against corrupt and dictatorial regimes. They have done so despite enduring intense state repression and chronic political and economic crisis. Mass demonstrations and strikes in Egypt forced Hosni Mubarak to step down. Mubarak’s fall led to the opening up of political space in the country and allowed social forces to push for far-reaching change. However, analysts have been divided on the outcome of the uprising in terms of achieving real transformative change in Egypt. On the one hand, the structures of power and the dominance of political and military-business elites remain in place. Having benefited enormously from the Mubarak regime and US military funding, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) remains in control of the country. On the other hand, Egypt has witnessed an unprecedented level of social struggle over the last decade in which Muslims and Christians, young and old, workers and students united together overthrowing of one of the region’s most well-funded and well-armed dictators.

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Authors
  1. Tara Povey
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Lily Zubaidah Rahim

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© 2013 Lily Zubaidah Rahim

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Povey, T. (2013). Voices of Dissent. In: Rahim, L.Z. (eds) Muslim Secular Democracy. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137282057_11

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