With almost every news broadcast, we are reminded of the continuing instability of the Middle East, where state collapse, civil wars, and terrorism have combined to produce a region in turmoil. If the Middle East is to achieve a more stable and prosperous future, Egypt-which possesses the region's largest population, a formidable military, and considerable soft power-must play a central role. Modern Egypt: What Everyone Needs to Know? by Bruce Rutherford and Jeannie Sowers introduces readers to this influential country. The book begins with the 2011-2012 uprising that captured the world's attention before turning to an overview of modern Egyptian history. The book then focuses on present-day Egyptian politics, society, demography, culture, and religion. It analyzes Egypt's core problems, including deepening authoritarianism, high unemployment, widespread poverty, rapid population growth, and pollution. The book then concentrates on Egypt's relations with the United States, Israel, Arab states, and other world powers. Modern Egypt concludes by assessing the country's ongoing challenges and suggesting strategies for addressing them. Concise yet sweeping in coverage, the book provides the essential background for understanding this fascinating country and its potential to shape the future of the Middle East.

Bruce K. Rutherford is Associate Professor of Political Science at Colgate University and author of Egypt after Mubarak: Liberalism, Islam, and Democracy in the Arab World.
Jeannie L. Sowers is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of New Hampshire and author of Environmental Politics in Egypt: Experts, Activists, and the State.

Preface: Why Study Egypt?
1. The Uprising of 2011 and Its Aftermath
2. The Rise of Modern Egypt
3. Building a New Regime: Nasser, Sadat, and Mubarak
4. Economic Development and Human Welfare
5. Environment, Natural Resources, and Quality of Life
6. Religion
7. Foreign Affairs
8. Prospects and Challenges for the Future