Elizabeth R. Nugent Knihy

In the aftermath of the Arab Spring, factions in Tunisia and Egypt aimed to collaborate on democratic governance. Tunisia successfully enacted a new constitution, held parliamentary elections, and showcased a peaceful power transition. In contrast, Egypt faced disintegration due to elite polarization. Presenting a novel theory of polarization under authoritarianism, this work explores how differing legacies of repression resulted in divergent political outcomes. Through original interviews and extensive historical data, Elizabeth Nugent examines the polarization among opposition groups in both countries before the Arab Spring, highlighting how various forms of repression shaped their relationships. She argues that widespread repression fostered shared political identities and reduced polarization in Tunisia, while targeted repression against the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt led to distinct identities and increased polarization. This dynamic explains Tunisia's elite cooperation and democratic consolidation, contrasted with Egypt's polarized elites, which contributed to the resurgence of authoritarianism. Offering crucial insights into how repression influences polarization, this analysis elucidates the events following the Arab Spring and the challenges faced during democratic transitions globally.