Synopses & Reviews
The contemporary movements seen on the streets of the Middle East today have their roots in a rich history of social and political struggle in the region. Since the 1990s, large-scale social movements have mobilised millions in opposition to authoritarian regimes often backed by the West. In Egypt, diverse movements opposed the Mubarak regime and its dependence on the US, and have gone on to fight for further transformative change. In Iran, an Islamic reform movement, women's movement and democracy movement has challenged the undemocratic and exclusivist nature of the Islamic state since the 1990s. This book analyses the reform movement in Iran and the groups and organisations that form the basis of the Egyptian opposition movement in their historical contexts. It argues that the contemporary movements have not arisen out of a vacuum but represent the culmination of over twenty years of mobilisation by social movements. This mobilisation is itself part of a history of struggle for democracy, social justice and freedom in the region that dates back over a century.
Synopsis
This book analyses the reform movement in Iran and the Egyptian opposition movement since the early 1990s in their historical contexts. It argues that the contemporary movements seen on the streets of the regions today represent the culmination of over twenty years of mobilisation by social movements.
About the Author
Tara Povey lectures in the politics of the Middle East at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, UK. Her area of research is social movements in Egypt and Iran and she is the co-editor of Women, Power and Politics in 21st Century Iran. She has conducted extensive research with activists in Egypt and Iran including participants in Islamic, nationalist and leftist movements, Islamic reformists, feminists and labour activists.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
List of Abbreviations
A Note on Transliteration
1. Introduction
2. Theorising Movements
3. Movements, the State and External Forces in Modern Iran
4. The Rise of Movements in Contemporary Iran
5. Movements, the State and External Forces in Modern Egypt
6. The Rise of Movements in Contemporary Egypt
7. Reform and Revolution in Egypt and Iran
Conclusion
Bibliography