Arab Spring and the Rise of Political Islam in Egypt

Abstract

This research examines the story of Arab Spring and the rise of political Islam, offering deep insights into the evolution of Islamist movements which play a critical role in the unfolding of a new Middle East, and in which the author chooses Egypt as a case study, with focusing upon the role of the Muslim brotherhood. This thesis seeks to study the emergence and the role of political Islam in Egypt and examine the success and the future trends of political Islam in Egypt by applying the linkage theory of James N. Rosenau and the Islamic theory of Ummah. This research is qualitative research used to define the problem, or develop an approach to the problem. Egypt is considered one of a major power, with significant cultural, political and military influence in North Africa, the Middle East and the Arab world so, its unstable and political environment can affect to the International community. The research found that the rise of Islamic power in Egypt had parallels across the region and Islamist movements were well positioned to take advantage of political openings, and have indeed taken the lead in many of the transitions. For the political Islam in Egypt, the Muslim brotherhood is one of the factors that have become more and more important actor in conducting the situation.

Keywords: Arab Spring, Political Islam, Muslim Brotherhood, Ummah, Islamists