Profile of a Weak State: Egypt

The Arab Spring has been an area of political and social unrest for decades. The recent collapse of Egypt’s newly formed democratic government provides more evidence of the weakness and great challenges facing this nation.  Two articles, one in The Economist and the other in The New York Times, examine the causes and implications that this collapse has in the effort, by some, to create a stable and free Egypt.

            The Economist article shows an interesting comparison between Egypt and South Korea. The article explains that as recently as 1960, both Egypt and South Korea had equal life expectancies as well as equal GDP per capita. Today, however, the nations could not be more different. The prosperity and democracy that has flourished in South Korea is nowhere to be found in Egypt. GDP in Egypt is one one-fifth that of South Korea and even though many Egyptians live in metropolitan areas and are literate, prosperity is seldom found. The article concludes that the fundamental beliefs and attitudes of Arab Islamists are not conducive to democratic rule. Political unrest has been prominent in areas where the predominant religion is Islam. The article notes, “Outside the Arab world, Islamists—in Malaysia and Indonesia, say—have shown that they can learn the habit of democracy.” The Egyptians apparent inability to trust government systems has yet again left them vulnerable to instability.

            The New York Times reports on the violence that has resulted from the political unrest in Egypt. Earlier this week, Egyptian police intervened in a sit in comprising supporters of the recently ousted President Morsi. At least 51 people were killed by police forces and more than 400 were injured. “It was by far the deadliest day of violence since the revolt that overthrew former President Hosni Mubarak in early 2011.” As police began to get involved, the protestors retaliated by throwing rocks and building barricades. As a result, some police officers were killed and injured as well.

            The Times’ article also acknowledges the troubles that the Arab region is facing with democracy. Prominent groups in Egypt such as the Islamic Brotherhood and Al Nour are closely monitoring the temporary military government now in control in Egypt and expressing mixed views on military rule. The violent demonstrations resulting from peoples views on government has made democracy nearly impossible in Egypt.