Reforming the Egyptian Economy In Light of Political Instability

After successfully overthrowing Hosni Mubarak and his government in 2011, protestors rejoiced in long-repressed nationalist fervor, hopeful for the bright future that was sure to follow. Today, three years since the triumph, political inclusion and greater economic opportunity have not arrived. Throughout this transition process, the Egyptian economy has soured, and Egyptians have begun to feel nostalgia for the days of Mubarak’s regime when political stability, albeit repressive, had at least been accompanied by economic stability. This paper seeks to discover the root causes of poor economic performance in Egypt’s recent history, examine historical cases in which governments successfully overcame similar economic hardships, and propose feasible institutional reforms and recommendations to revive Egypt’s domestic economy in light of the country’s current political landscape