ABSTRACT
This chapter demonstrates that the US has sought, through the strategy of democracy promotion, to encourage an array of political, economic, social and cultural reforms in Egypt, for an eventual transition to elite-based democracy. It then addresses the Clinton administration's engagement of Egypt, with particular emphasis on its policies of economic and civil society reform. It also examines the G. W. Bush administration's policy towards Egypt, focusing on its attempts to promote democracy in the country, amidst the broader post-11 September reform impetus. By integrating democracy promotion with economic, social and cultural policies aimed at strengthening civil society, the Clinton administration sought to influence Egypt at a societal level. The electoral successes of the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas ultimately resulted in the demotion of US democracy promotion efforts in Egypt and the wider region. Clinton's calls for economic reform and the strengthening of civil society established the basis for G. W. Bush's forthright demands for political reform in Egypt.
