Publication

This paper examines the reasons behind the Muslim Brotherhood’s differing responses to the Arab Spring uprisings in Egypt and Syria. While the Egyptian branch attempted to take complete control of its chaotic country, the Syrian branch tended towards negotiation with other groups and remained in the background. The author analyzes each group’s origins and evolution and identifies the reasons behind their different approaches. She finds that both branches had similar basic ideologies and organizational structures but early distinctions in the type of internal conflict they faced and their involvement with politics and violence determined the strategy each adopted.