Mamluks and Generals

Mamluks and Generals: A Study on the Genealogy of Military Rule in Egypt examines the intersection of history, politics, and the dynamics of military power. It seeks to explore how the deeply rooted traditions of Mamlukism—characterized by exclusivity, militarization, and centralized authority—continue to shape Egypt’s governance in the modern era.

The inspiration for this study arose during the tumultuous years following the Arab Spring, as Egypt experienced dramatic political shifts. The military’s swift reclamation of power after 2011 mirrored patterns from centuries past, where military elites resisted attempts to democratize or decentralize authority. These parallels between historical Mamluk practices and contemporary governance raises the question of whether Egypt’s political system has ever truly escaped the shadows of its praetorian roots.

The author examines both the structural aspects of military dominance, and also its societal and economic dimensions. This investigation of the genealogy of Mamlukism and its persistence in modern Egypt provides a framework for understanding the military's enduring role in shaping the state, and resisting democratization.