The essays of this volume provide invaluable insight into the social forces, political conflicts, and personalities which have shaped contemporary Egypt and its economic, political and diplomatic dilemmas.
Recognizing that the press has been extraordinarily influential in shaping Egyptian political debate, two essays of this volume examine the activities of the press, and the efforts of those in power to control it, at different periods in Egypt's modern history. This volume also comprises studies of al-Nahhas, Makram Ebeid and Ali Mahir: three people whose political careers during the period of the Monarchy elucidate contemporary currents in Egyptian political life. An essay on the relationship between Nasser and the United States demonstrates and explicates the critical role foreign power plays in Egypt's development. Finally, three chapters on the problems facing Egypt at the political, economic and diplomatic levels the last essay by Secretary General of the United Nations, Dr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali provide an authoritative assessment of contemporary Egypt.

Foreword 1. The Political Press in Egypt 1882-1914 Abbas Kelidar 2. Makram Ebeid: Politician of the Majority Party Mustafa El-Feki 3. Ali Mahir and the Politics of the Egyptian Army 1936-1942 Charles Tripp 4. Mustafa Al-Nahhas and Political Leadership Alaa al-Din Al-Hadidy 5. Relations between Egypt and the US in the 1950s Muhammad Abd al-Wahab Sayed-Ahmed 6. Nasser and the Egyptian Press Sonia Dabous Egypt in the Balance Walid Kazziha 7. Interpretations and Misinterpretations of the Egyptian Economy Abel Beshai 8. Egyptian Diplomacy: East-West Detente and North-South Dialogue Boutros Boutros-Ghali