History of Egypt Under Gamal Abdel Nasser (1956-1970)

This book examines the political, intellectual, economic ad military history of Egypt during the leadership of Gamal Abdel Nasser, from his rise to power through the Free Officers Movement in 1952 to his death in 1970. Nasser, one of the most influential Arab leaders of the 20th century, played a pivotal role in reshaping Egypt's domestic policies and its position in global politics, particularly in the context of Arab nationalism, socialism, and anti-imperialism. The book explores Nasser's ambitious efforts to modernize Egypt through land reform, industrialization, and the nationalization of key industries, including the Suez Canal.
His domestic policies, aimed at addressing economic inequality and reducing foreign influence, laid the foundation for Egypt's economic and social development but also created new challenges, such as inefficiencies in state-run industries and political authoritarianism. Nasser's foreign policy was defined by his non-alignment during the Cold War, as well as his leadership in the Arab world. His pan-Arabist vision culminated in the formation of the United Arab Republic with Syria, though the union ultimately collapsed.
The book also details Nasser's central role in the Arab-Israeli conflict, with a focus on the catastrophic defeat Egypt suffered during the Six-Day War of 1967, which profoundly affected his leadership and the region's political landscape. Through a detailed analysis of Nasser's achievements and failures, the book offers a nuanced view of his legacy. Nasser is remembered both as a champion of Arab unity and social justice, and as a leader whose authoritarian methods and regional ambitions met with significant challenges.
His impact on Egypt, the Middle East, and the broader Global South continues to shape discussions on leadership, nationalism, and post-colonial governance.