In the shadow of the Islamic State: political violence in post-revolutionary Egypt, 2013–2020

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article examines the trajectory and identity of the militant groups that resorted to political violence in post-revolutionary Egypt without adhering to Salafi-jihadist ideology. Non-jihadist violence has often remained in the shadow of the Islamic State, and is relatively unknown and underestimated, however data analysis shows that it accounted for a large share of the Egyptian market for violence following the downfall of Mohamed Morsi. Although these militant groups arose as a reaction to the coup that overthrew Morsi, their ethos was influenced by political and social practices that emerged from the 25 January Revolution. Far from being a mere fringe of the Muslim Brotherhood that shifted towards jihadism, militant groups in fact constitute a specific phenomenon and a legacy of revolution.