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Can Egypt's Democratic Hopes Be Revived?
- Journal of Democracy
- Johns Hopkins University Press
- Volume 30, Number 4, October 2019
- pp. 158-169
- 10.1353/jod.2019.0059
- Article
- Additional Information
Abstract:
In today's Egypt, commitment to democracy appears scarce among actors both within the regime and in civil society, and public-opinion polls further suggest that demands for democratic governance have been abandoned. An undemocratic political understanding and disenchantment with the concept of democracy seemingly prevail among a majority of the population. Rather than seeking a return to democratic government, Egyptians are once again hoping that an authoritarian regime will succeed in raising the standard of living. Only a few groups of activists are gradually articulating a peaceful democratic culture of resistance, found in universities and professional associations as well as on social media and in the underground music scene. Their efforts offer grounds for hope.