The Arab Spring and U.S. Foreign Policy in Egypt: Balancing Interests and Ideals

This study investigates how the Arab Spring influenced US foreign policy towards Egypt, focusing on the interplay between realism and idealism from the onset of the uprisings in Egypt on January 25, 2011, until President Murbarak’s resignation on February 11, 2011. Utilising a Critical Discourse Analysis framework, the research explores the evolution of discourse. This is done through analysing primary data, including press briefings and speeches. The findings reveal that initial US discourse exhibited a realistic stance, cautiously supporting political reforms, while maintaining a certain connection with the Mubarak regime. As the events started to escalate, the discourse shifted towards a more idealistic perspective, aligning US values with the aspirations of the Egyptian people for democratic reform. This transition reflects the complex interplay between interests and ideals, highlighting the inherent tensions the US faces in foreign policy decision-making. Additionally, the...Show moreThis study investigates how the Arab Spring influenced US foreign policy towards Egypt, focusing on the interplay between realism and idealism from the onset of the uprisings in Egypt on January 25, 2011, until President Murbarak’s resignation on February 11, 2011. Utilising a Critical Discourse Analysis framework, the research explores the evolution of discourse. This is done through analysing primary data, including press briefings and speeches. The findings reveal that initial US discourse exhibited a realistic stance, cautiously supporting political reforms, while maintaining a certain connection with the Mubarak regime. As the events started to escalate, the discourse shifted towards a more idealistic perspective, aligning US values with the aspirations of the Egyptian people for democratic reform. This transition reflects the complex interplay between interests and ideals, highlighting the inherent tensions the US faces in foreign policy decision-making. Additionally, the research emphasises the dynamics of the formulation of policies in times of political upheaval, contributing to the broader framework of literature on international relations. The study underscores the role discourse plays in shaping perceptions and in offering a way to legitimise policy responses, by providing an insight into the challenges of balancing strategic interests and moral values. It aims to provide an understanding of the formulation of foreign policy during significant political changes.Show less

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The Arab Spring and U.S. Foreign Policy in Egypt: Balancing Interests and Ideals