Dealing with Political and Cultural Crisis in a Troubled Middle East Region

This chapter examines the political, economic, and cultural crisis in Egypt, which has led to protesters expressing their grievance through violence that is met with state brutality. The fragile political scene might have also been aggravated by the role played by families of local tribes who submit themselves to the dictates of the ruling regime in exchange for influence. The chapter moves beyond the euphoria of political changes in Egypt into a contextual analysis. It provides clarity to the underlying and short‐term socioeconomic reasons for military intervention. The chapter describes the group‐think structure of Egyptian society and the changing social contract, explaining the growing sense of polarization and radicalism as a cultural reservoir. It also clarifies the role of technology and social media in the political fluidity in Egypt. The political climate and cultural crisis can be tracked to many issues of economic failure and political stagnation.