Abstract
In this paper I examine the transformations in the Egyptian state—specifically in the political establishment—as Egypt moves into a new stage of development characterized by economic liberalization and a westward political realignment. I examine persistence and change in the structure and distribution of power in the establishment, in elite ideology, recruitment practices and social composition, and in the patterns and cleavages of intra-elite politics. Through this examination I try to assess the relative strength and effect of forces pulling the political system toward political liberalization on the one hand, and toward conservative authoritarianism on the other. I conclude that the current regime remains an authoritarian one, but that it has taken on an increasingly conservative face and is characterized by a greater, if uninstitutionalized, pluralism limited to elite levels. It is implicit in the analysis that the open door policy cannot be fully explained without reference to these sociopolitical transformations.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 442-464 |
Number of pages | 22 |
Journal | Social Problems |
Volume | 28 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 1981 |
Keywords
- Egypt
- elites
- post-populism
- Sadat