More than just chanting. (c2014)

Abstract

In the aftermath of the January 2011 popular uprising, the most powerful challenge to the Egyptian regime’s authoritarian control over public space came from a nonpolitical group: the Ultras. Their substantial pre-uprising experience in combatting the police, spirit of activism, and perpetual mobilization allowed them to successfully confront the state’s coercive apparatus. This thesis examines the role of the Ultras in Egypt’s 2011 uprising, relying on a contextual framework that considers them as both Social Movements and Non-Movements. The role of the Ultras Ahlawy, the most influential Ultras organization in Egypt, is examined before, during, and immediately after authoritarian regime breakdown. The thesis thus unpacks the role played by the Ultras in authoritarian regime breakdown in Egypt, and their motivations to assume this role. It also spells out the limits of non-political movements in bringing about sociopolitical change after authoritarian regime breakdown.