Reform and Revolution in Egypt and Iran

Abstract

Iran and Egypt are countries with different languages, cultural practices, religious traditions and histories. However, they have shared the experiences of colonialism, uneven development and a contradictory modernity. The forming of modern nation states in both countries in the nineteenth century and the new social and economic relations these brought with them gave rise to the repertoires of contention used by social movements which played a vital role in the process of social and political change. In both countries social movements have been diverse, yet many have involved the participation of an urbanised, educated working class and middle class population. Religious and secular movements, reformist, nationalist, anti-imperialist, feminist, socialist and communist movements have all played important roles in the political life of both countries. Since the nineteenth century these movements have developed strategies of political action which continue to be relevant today.