Egypt after Mubarak: Liberalism, Islam, and Democracy in the Arab World

by Bruce K. Rutherford

Egypt's autocratic regime is being weakened by economic crises, growing political opposition, and the pressures of globalization. Observers now wonder which way Egypt will go when the country's aging president, Husni Mubarak, passes from the will it embrace Western-style liberalism and democracy? Or will it become an Islamic theocracy similar to Iran? Egypt after Mubarak demonstrates that both secular and Islamist opponents of the regime are navigating a middle path that may result in a uniquely Islamic form of liberalism and, perhaps, democracy.

Bruce Rutherford examines the political and ideological battles that drive Egyptian politics and shape the prospects for democracy throughout the region. He argues that secularists and Islamists are converging around a reform agenda that supports key elements of liberalism, including constraints on state power, the rule of law, and protection of some civil and political rights. But will this deepening liberalism lead to democracy? And what can the United States do to see that it does? In answering these questions, Rutherford shows that Egypt's reformers are reluctant to expand the public's role in politics. This suggests that, while liberalism is likely to progress steadily in the future, democracy's advance will be slow and uneven.

Essential reading on a subject of global importance, Egypt after Mubarak draws upon in-depth interviews with Egyptian judges, lawyers, Islamic activists, politicians, and businesspeople. It also utilizes major court rulings, political documents of the Muslim Brotherhood, and the writings of Egypt's leading contemporary Islamic thinkers.

Genres: Politics, Egypt, Nonfiction

304 pages, Hardcover

First published November 24, 2008

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Boston Public Library! I found this while browsing in the new non-fiction section. Not "new"-new, it was written in 2008, but obviously very timely. The book, written by a political scientist, gives background about the political trends in Egypt over the past decades and about the opposition groups. I think I'd like to read this along with a chronological history of Egypt, to get a clearer picture. There are many events that I remember; or that I'm familiar because they are frequently referenced in newspapers and magazines; but I don't really have a solid knowledge of recent Egyptian history.

The book outlines trends toward liberalism, democracy and market reforms and options for secular vs. religious government. It makes that point that liberalism in Egypt might not look the same as liberalism in the West; but emphasize different values. The book also outlines some of the economic challenges facing Egypt, particularly around employment, property rights and small business prospects, and economic growth.

[Roberta (Bobbie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe this is Rutherford's Yale PhD dissertation. Now a professor at Colgate. It's scholarly with massive footnotes but very readable and fascinating! Interesting presentation of similarities and differences between liberal constitutionalism and islamic constitutionalism. Also good discussion of differences between liberalism and democracy.