Egypt under El-Sisi: A Nation on the Edge

by Maged Mandour

Since the coup of 2013 ended Egypt's brief democratic experiment and retired army chief, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, became president of Egypt, his regime has unleashed mass repression and severe restrictions on an unprecedented scale. This has been characterized by arbitrary arrests, forced disappearances, and the torture of real - or suspected - political activists and dissidents. The Sisi regime has not only entangled the country in political violence, but has also mired Egypt in a deep economic crisis.

This book follows President Sisi's regime in the aftermath of the coup that brought him to power. It is a chronology of the devastating political, economic and social consequences of direct military rule. Written by Egyptian political analyst and Egypt pundit, Maged Mandour, it is a compelling account built on years of writing and research. This includes analysis of primary sources, such as laws, constitutional amendment issued by the regime, statements made by regime officials, and local media, as well as official economic data from state sources and international organisations.

Mandour explains exactly how Sisi operates and what makes his regime so different, and so dangerous, compared to those that came before. It shows, for the first time, how Egypt has been pushed to the brink of the abyss and why this will change the country for decades to come.

Genres: Politics, Egypt, Nonfiction, History, Africa, Middle East

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 25, 2024

Reviews

[Omar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mandour does a good job at demonstrating how the Egyptian state and economy has been completely militarized by Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

My only objection to the book is his description of the current military dictatorship as a "Sisified version of Nasserism." This is odd because (a) Mandour spends most of the book trying to convince you that the system of government el-Sisi has constructed is a complete break from everything that preceded it and (b) if there is no commitment from el-Sisi to anti-imperialism, social justice/socialism, and the creation of a mass civilian party, then it is not Nasserism.

It is quite a small quibble, but a good book overall.

[Marwan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent reading of the past decade in egyptian politics with all crucial details mentioned. The author also puts forth future scenarios which he sees possible and discusses how such changes would play out and how they fit in into egyptian society and political discourse (if you can call it that in egyptian society). All in all a very good book and looking forward to books on Egypt by Maged Mandour, and his reading of egyptian reality as in his articles. The book does have multiple typos though which is unfortunate.

[The New Arab]

In his new book, Maged Mandour delves into what makes President Sisi's regime so different and dangerous, compared to those who came before him. Read The New Arab's review here: https://www.newarab.com/features/powe...

[Omar · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books for understanding Abdel-Fattah el Sisi’s military dictatorship and its impact on Egypt. Mandour approaches this study from three overlapping perspectives: first, the regime's ideological foundation of "Sissified Nasserism," which is grounded in mass state violence and totalitarianism; second, the economic cronyism of the regime expressed through militarized capitalism; and lastly, Egypt's future, including both potential and ongoing resistance to the regime.

Mandour describes the ideological foundation of the regime as "Sissified Nasserism," a radicalized and militarized adaptation of Nasserism. This version retains the totalitarian and autocratic aspects of Nasserism while discarding the anti-imperialist and socialist elements. According to Mandour, the ideology is rooted in deep nationalism and conservatism, and—most significantly—in the belief that the military is both the savior and guardian of the state. The narrative asserts that only through military dominance can order be maintained; otherwise, chaos is expected to prevail. Furthermore, the ideology ensures that state violence is the only means to stay in power, with no civilian force to counterbalance the power of the military.


Mandour argues that the regime's cronyism, manifested through militarized neoliberalism and capitalism, has widened the wealth gap between the poor and middle class and the elite. As a result, poverty and economic hardship have increased for the average Egyptian. Furthermore, the regime economic model is centered around debt, and the financing of mega projects, which garners international support while leaving the average Egyptian struggling. Ultimately, this form of economic policy ensures the military's dominance over the economic, and the suffering of the poor and the middle class.

Mandour suggests that, in the absence of civilian political forces to counter unrest, Egypt’s ideological commitment to mass state violence could push the country toward civil war. He examines local resistance to the dictatorship, highlighting how LGBTQ+ communities, labor unions, and Nubian groups challenge the regime through protests and strikes, exposing cracks in its claimed absolute control over civilian life. Mandour concludes by reflecting on the influence of the 2011 revolution in rallying support against the dictatorship, and praises the enduring defiance of the Egyptian people..

[She Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly well-researched work that methodically explains how an incredibly central and important, once-democratic country can fall almost inextricably into an all-pervading military dictatorship. Probably the most important book I have read this year, supremely relevant now more than ever considering the political machinations happening all over the world in many countries.
I learned SO MUCH. Do yourself a favor and read it! More detailed and informative than the political science class I paid thousands of dollars to take.
P.S. I love the cover art too!

[Julian Mydlil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative exposition of El-Sisi’s rule over Egypt, highlighting the stranglehold the military and security services have in terms of political/social repression and economic policy. He does end it on a high note, but I walked away with deep concern about what will happen to Egypt and Egyptians (and the broader region) if the regime’s power becomes challenged. Dinged it a star because the editor hardly did their job - so many typos strewn throughout the book unfortunately.

[Abdalla Nasef · Rating 2 out of 5]

Offers great insight into the most repressive period of modern Egyptian history. Besides the author’s observable Muslim Brotherhood sympathies (which at times blinded his judgement), and the numerous typos, it’s a decent read.

[Ameen Mitwally · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent sharp analysis on the politics of Sisi in Egypt, from military consolidation of its power over the state, to the chauvinist nationalism that legitimised the regime. Useful to anyone interested in the current state of affairs.

[Rana Nessim · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re wondering what happened to Egypt post 2011 revolution, this is a great place to start. Maged Mandour provides an excellent analysis.

[Maria Sarta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant and sharp analysis of the current regime and its shortcomings.