Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Sisi prioritizes large-scale infrastructure projects to galvanize support, but these projects deepen the military’s hold over the economy and provide no tangible broad economic benefit.
The internal debates over new amendments in Egypt reveal the renewed struggle between the president and the military for political dominance.
Backlash against capital punishment in Egypt has reduced the number of executions but led security forces to increase their use of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.
Cairo hopes that support for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir will convince Khartoum to make concessions on ongoing disputes and prevent instability from spilling over the border.
Proposed amendments to Egypt’s constitution will enshrine the military’s position above the state by giving it greater legal means to intervene against elected governments and prosecute political opponents.
The Egyptian state’s continued and worsening crackdown on academic research is hindering its goals of expanding knowledge for economic development.
In addition to escalating tensions with Italy, Egypt’s response to the murder case of Giulio Regeni shows how the security services rely on torture as the primary tool of repression.
Egypt’s current attempt to reduce public debt through austerity measures ignores the problem’s roots in uncontrolled military spending.
The Egyptian state’s choice to downplay a recent attack on Christians in favor of promoting the World Youth Forum is further eroding trust in local media.
The Egyptian state’s seizure of Muslim Brotherhood funds undermines the rule of law and may further discourage organizations and businessmen from criticizing the regime.
A new law regarding the Egyptian military gives the president greater ability to shield select senior officers from prosecution and strengthens his control over the military.
Recent arrests in Egypt aim to preempt public anger over planned neoliberal economic reforms and enhanced presidential powers.
The Egyptian government’s reluctance to loosen its grip on private sector industries has impeded the flow of foreign direct investment into the country.
The launch of a large-scale military operation across Egypt is well-timed to give President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi a boost in popular support ahead of elections in March.
Egypt’s efforts at subsidy reform provide suggestions for Tunisia and Sudan, both witnessing protests stemming in part from increased prices of staple goods.
The Egyptian military is exploiting legal loopholes and bureaucratic mechanisms to control which military personnel can exercise their constitutional right to political participation.
Egypt’s religious institutions are competing for authority and trying to secure their positions in the religious public space.
Egypt’s foreign reserves have begun to recover, but weak foreign direct investment and accumulating debt could hinder reforms down the line.
Sisi is targeting spaces such as youth sports clubs and even universities to further stifle political expression and discourse among youth.
The Egyptian regime’s attempt to expand the presidential term to six years is another move to consolidate the power of the presidency.