Egypt Revolution & International Relations Egyptian Revolution and International Relation

The Egyptian Revolution & International Relations

Politics

Egypt is the oldest country in existence and the most populated amongst the Arab world. The unusual significance this country possesses is due to its historical, regional, political and geographical aspects. In January 2011, masses started protesting at Tahrir Square in Cairo against the 30-year dictatorship of President Hosni Mubarak, fueled by social injustices, deteriorating law and order system and corruption in public offices, the protests continued till 18 days and resulted in Mubarak's resignation on 11th February 2011. After the interim military control from February 2011 to May 2012, Mohammad Morsi of Islamic brotherhood became the fifth president of Egypt on 24th June 2012. The uprising of Egypt changed the Arab world as it inspired demonstrations in Lybia, Syria and other Muslim countries. Besides other economic, legal and social issues, the new regime faces an uphill task of balancing domestic political demands with international commitments. Historically, Egypt has been an ally to the western world but with a change in ideology, increasing economic, social and political pressures; the nature of relationship with the western world especially America is yet to be determined. The attacks of Sinai, fear of extremism, Syrian uprising and the recent protests against the video "Innocence of Muslims" has further dampen the International relations with the western world. The challenge is the choice between a more secular approach to international relations and a more Islamic approach. While Egypt has always been more secular as compared to other Arab countries, the government ideology and foreign policy can be a determining factor for the future. The dismissing views of some Muslim countries for Israel can potentially influence the Islamic government of Egypt and align its foreign policies towards this viewpoint affecting the historical alliance with United States of America. While internal social and economic issues are still at large and awaiting reforms from the newly formed government.

Research Question:

The research intends to answer the following questions;

What are the causes, internal and external effects of Egyptian Revolution faced by current regime?
2. To explain further,

Internal effects include cultural, social, economic, religious and political aspects of Egypt.

While external effects include change in International relations between Egypt and other western countries, including a comparison of Mubarak regime with current regime focused only on International relations.

Research Objective:

The objective of the research is to investigate into the causes that led to the Egyptian revolution and recommend practical steps for dealing with various internal and external problems faced by the new regime and also the importance of healthy international relations with the western world. Considering the turbulent international politics, Egypt's role in the region and also the internal problems of Egypt caused by political turmoil and financial issues, an extensive research is required to provide possible solutions which would address the prevailing threats to the stability of Egypt as a country and a member of international community.

Literature Review:

According to Trotskyism theory, political revolution is a deliberated effort to replace a prevailing government or alter the form of a government with property relations remaining intact (Trotsky, 1928). The causes of such a revolution can be ideological, due to ineffectiveness of the current rule, economic distress, social injustice, religious intolerance or nationalism. The product of political revolution is change in government and the aftermaths of such an event are witnessed by the country in form of uncertainty related to both external and internal aspects. Revolutions have consistently risen throughout human history but differ in methodology, time and ideology although the common element is a major change in culture, society, politics and economy (Stone, 1966). The first generation of theorists believed that revolution is caused by social psychology while the second generation believes that revolutions rise from psychological, sociological and political motivators (Goldstone, 1980). While many theorists have investigated the causes that lead to revolutions, not many have studied the consequences and…