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The unintened metamorphosis of Political Islam in Egypt: Military autocracy, Salafism and Muslim Brotherhood
Pianese, Marika ; Daniel, Jan (advisor) ; Aslan, Emil (referee)
ENGLISH VERSION The topic of Political Islam or more specifically, the role of religion in politics is becoming crucial in the Arab World, specifically in the North African democracy of Egypt. Because of its 94.7 million of people and its role as the Arab League headquarter, the country still holds power in the region despite not being as strong as in the past. Since the 1970s, Egypt has used religion as an instrument to achieve political ends with different aims. In the 70s, it was to counterbalance the left, in the 80s to co-opt Islamist political groups into formal politics, and in the 90s to contain the Islamist challenge and legitimize authoritarianism. Television started airing more religious programs and lots of aspects of everyday life changed according to conservative Islamic values, giving thus, more importance to Islamic Law. Even if the state wanted to calm the fervent spirits of the conservatives, it didn't achieve its goal, as they only emphasized more the Islamist norms and pressured moderate forces. The dream of establishing an Islamic political and social order has faded with the fall of the Muslim Brotherhood and fragmentation in the country. Despite the increased force of Islamists, the Muslim Brotherhood could still manage a comeback if they play their cards right and find a...
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