“THE WAFD 1919-1952, CORNERSTONE OF EGYPTIAN POLITICAL POWER” by Janice Terry presents a comprehensive historical analysis of the Egyptian political landscape from the aftermath of World War I up to the pivotal 1952 revolution. At the heart of this scholarly work lies an exploration of the Wafd Party, its evolution, and the influential figures who steered the course of Egyptian politics during this critical era.
Terry meticulously examines the intricate interplay between Egyptian nationalist aspirations and British imperial interests, a dynamic marked by persistent tension and conflict. Through an extensive examination of both British and Egyptian sources, she endeavors to provide a nuanced and balanced portrayal of the Wafd’s contributions and shortcomings in shaping Egyptian political destiny.
One of the central themes explored is the multifaceted rivalry between the Wafd, the monarchy, and other factions vying for dominance within the Egyptian polity. This rivalry underscores the complexity of power struggles and the quest for hegemony in shaping the nation’s trajectory.
Drawing from a wealth of primary research, including interviews with key Egyptian figures intimately involved with the Wafd, Terry sheds light on the party’s triumphs and setbacks. Additionally, she delves into the broader social landscape, chronicling the emergence of significant movements such as women’s emancipation, labor activism, and student protests, all of which left an indelible mark on Egyptian society and politics.
A central question addressed in the book is whether the Wafd should be viewed as a revolutionary force or merely a bourgeois nationalist party. Terry critically evaluates the Wafd’s role in the context of the 1919 revolution, arguing that while the uprising represented a genuine revolutionary moment in Egyptian history, the Wafd’s subsequent emergence fell short of fully realizing the revolutionary goals of that era.
Furthermore, Terry traces the trajectory of the Wafd’s revival, examining its brief resurgence and eventual decline, a process complicated by shifting political dynamics and the rise of leaders like Anwar Sadat. Through this analysis, she highlights the distinctiveness of the Wafd’s historical legacy and its enduring impact on Egyptian politics.
Published in 2011 by الدار العربية للموسوعات, this seminal work spans 334 pages and is housed within the genre of biographies and memoirs, specifically focusing on political figures. Its cardboard cover encases a wealth of meticulously researched insights into a crucial period of Egyptian history, making it an indispensable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike.