‘This book makes an original contribution to the study of internal political legitimacy in post-shockwaves societies. Examining Egypt which experienced a coup one year after democratic elections in 2012, the author provides a conceptual framework which sheds light on the rise of “fluid authoritarianism” as a subset of political and socioeconomic ruptures and continuities as well. Essential reading.’
Fawaz Gerges, Professor of International Relations and author of What Really Went Wrong: The West and the Failure of Democracy in the Middle East (Yale University Press, 2024)


‘Polimeno offers a theoretically informed account of the distinctive bases of authoritarianism in Egypt since the fall of Mubarak, highlighting the ways in which internal and external survival strategies are reflected in the Sisi regime’s legitimation discourse. The book moves beyond cursory understandings of “authoritarianism” to show how – albeit often fragile – power is organised within a range of spheres including law, religion and political economy.’
Ewan Stein, Senior Lecturer in International Relations

Introduction
1. Political legitimacy in fluid authoritarianism: a liquid interregnum
2. Not an Arab phoenix
3. Reinventing a different political machine
4. A hero in search of a political role: playing myths and symbols
5. God, the political seductor
6. The political economy of resurrection: power and nature as a critical ecosystem
Conclusion
Appendix
Index