By definition, nationalism is considered "devotion and loyalty to one's own country", but in the world today it has taken on more layers than that.
In Egypt, there has been a resurgence of Egyptian nationalism that came in the form of the newest leader Abdel Fatta el-Sisi. The first movement of Egyptian Nationalism is believed to have dated back to when Muhammad Ali took the throne in the early 1800s. Ali ironically was not of Egyptian descent; however, he enacted reforms that were essential in giving Egypt true independence from the Ottoman Empire (al-monitor). Over the years, Egypt has been pushing for national pride, and for people to rally together in loyalty to their country.
Throughout Sisi's leadership, the country has been trying to establish its distinct identity as an Egyptian culture. The people of Egypt take a lot of pride in their Egyptian culture, and do not desire to align themselves as similar to the Arabic and African nations around them. However, this sense of distinct identity isn't hostile in nature, but rather they still have interest in interacting with the cultures around them (al-monitor). The most evident element of Egyptian nationalism can be seen in Sisi's emphasis on military power. Egypt is commonly known as the strongest military force in the Arab world, and many consider the military to be the back bone of Egypt. This further drives the point that Egypt is fighting for their country to be strong, independent, and distinct from their surrounding countries.
 |
| Abdel Fatta el-Sisi |
Nationalism, according to Fareed Zakaria, can be rather dangerous. As loyalty and passions rise within countries, Zakaria points out, it only increases the national rejection of "Western culture", and as Nationalism rises "it makes purposeful national action more difficult" (Zakaria 40). Countries are discovering there aren't just two ways to operate: Assimilate to Western ways or reject them. Instead, countries are finding their own identity, and many are thriving which leads to more independence and national pride.
On a more abstract level, Zakaria points out that there is even sub-national independence that is now taking place. Tribal groups within countries are becoming more independent and powerful; consequently, changing the ability for purposeful action within a nation-state (Zakaria 41). This form of sub-nationalism can be very dangerous; in fact, civil wars among tribal/ethnic groups are being fought worldwide because of this phenomenon.
Most recently in Egypt, this type of tribal conflict can be seen in the Aswan conflict of 2014. The conflict started with an outbreak of shootings and stabbings between students of the Bani Hilal and Nubian tribes after a Nubian student painted anti-Bani murals on a school wall. The outbreak of violence threatened to turn into a wide-scale conflict among ethnic groups; in fact, over the three day violence outburst 163 people were faced with trial for their participation in the conflict. The streets of Aswan were truly chaotic, for people swarmed the streets openly conflicting with the use of knives, guns, and explosives while the police showed little interest whatsoever. A Egyptian woman by the name of "Noura" was interviewed and she passionately claimed to have called the police ten times the night of the initial violence, but instead they dedicated their time to a political protest (csmonitor.com). After three days, wide spread conflict was avoided as the army eventually stepped in; however, the existence of ethnic conflict was made very evident to the nation as a whole.
 |
| Murals on Aswan school wall |
Egypt, once a moderately equal nation, has been stricken severely with poverty in the last few years. In fact, more than 22 million Egyptians are currently living in poverty (Egyptianstreets.com). As Tony Judt points out in his book "Ill Fares the Land", poverty has severe ramifications for a nation. For instance, lack of significant income causes social issues, health issues, and an inability for mobility within a people group, Judt argues. As inequality has risen in Egypt, perhaps the social issues Judt alluded to have been most evident. Since the large influenza outbreak in 2005, which many believe to have started the spike in poverty, Egypt has been in constant revolution and protest for new government, ethnic groups have been clashing, and the people seem to be becoming more disheartened as the days go by.
Little is being done in Egypt to try to stunt the growth of poverty, rather Egypt continues to push for military dominance, and a Nationalistic identity. However, the people within the country of Egypt are in dire need for assistance, but the Egyptian government seems more concerned with how they are perceived by those outside of their borders. Inequality will continue to cause issues within Egypt, and it is yet to be seen what precautions will be taken to prevent this epidemic from prolonging.
Sources:
"The Post-American World", Fareed Zakaria
"Ill Fares the Land", Tony Judt
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Aswan_tribal_clashes
http://www.madamasr.com/news/163-people-face-trial-aswan-tribal-violence
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2014/0415/In-Upper-Egypt-police-avert-eyes-from-ethnic-bloodshed-video
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/09/egyptian-nationalism-islamism-challenge.html#
http://egyptianstreets.com/2014/07/13/more-than-22-million-egyptians-live-in-poverty-report/http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/nationalism?s=t
No comments:
Post a Comment