Egyptian society in transition: The merits of a dynamic model.

In 2011, several Middle Eastern and North African countries rose up in defiance against their governments, an event popularly known as the Arab Spring. The Arab Spring held hopes for liberal and democratic transition in these countries. Egypt in particular was very optimistic about a potential transition to a liberal democracy. This thesis examines the period of time leading up to the deposal of Hosni Mubarak, Egypt's former president, and the three years following. This thesis will review the events and parties involved in Egypt's transition and the role these groups played. Furthermore, the Egyptian transition will be examined using Alfred Stepan and Juan Linz' model that states all transition occurs in five distinct arenas. This thesis will conclude that the optimistic view taken by many regarding Egypt's transition was premature and that Egypt has regressed to a previous governmental model. --Leaf ii.