Modern Egypt

With almost every news broadcast, we are reminded of the continuing instability of the Middle East, where state collapse, civil wars, and terrorism have combined to produce a region in turmoil. If the Middle East is to achieve a more stable and prosperous future, Egyptwhich possesses the regions largest population, a formidable military, and considerable soft powermust play a central role. Modern Egypt: What Everyone Needs to Know® by Bruce Rutherford and Jeannie Sowers introduces readers to this influential country. The book begins with the 2011-2012 uprising that captured the worlds attention before turning to an overview of modern Egyptian history.
The book then focuses on present-day Egyptian politics, society, demography, culture, and religion. It analyzes Egypts core problems, including deepening authoritarianism, high unemployment, widespread poverty, rapid population growth, and pollution. The book then concentrates on Egypts relations with the United States, Israel, Arab states, and other world powers. Modern Egypt concludes by assessing the countrys ongoing challenges and suggesting strategies for addressing them. Concise yet sweeping in coverage, the book provides the essential background for understanding this fascinating country and its potential to shape the future of the Middle East.

Bruce K. Rutherford is associate professor of political science at Colgate University. He is the author of Egypt after Mubarak: Liberalism, Islam, and Democracy in the Arab World as well as several articles on Egyptian politics. His research has been supported by fellowships from the Fulbright Foundation, the Social Science Research Council, the American Research Center in Egypt, and the Yale Center for International and Area Studies.
Jeannie Sowers is Associate Professor of Political Science and Chair of the International Affairs Program at the University of New Hampshire. She is the author of Environmental Politics in Egypt: Experts, Activists, and the State and co-editor with Chris Toensing of The Journey to Tahrir: Revolution, Protest, and Social Change in Egypt. Sowers holds a Ph.D. and M.A. from Princeton University and a B.A. from Harvard University. She has held postdoctoral appointments at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard University; the Center for Middle East Studies, Harvard University; and St. Antony's College, Center for Middle East Studies, Oxford University.

- Preface: Why Study Egypt?
- 1 The Uprising of 2011 and Its Aftermath
- 2 The Rise of Modern Egypt
- 3 Building a New Regime: Nasser, Sadat, and Mubarak
- 4 Economic Development and Human Welfare
- 5 Environment, Natural Resources, and Quality of Life
- 6 Religion
- 7 Foreign Affairs
- 8 Prospects and Challenges for the Future