ABSTRACT
How does Sisi’s authoritarian regime maintain such resilience? The answer this chapter presents is simple: through violence and the systematic use of excessive force against opposition movements in the name of counterterrorism. However, the chapter argues that the more the Egyptian authorities violate human rights and rely on excessive use of force in the name of fighting terrorism, the faster terrorism grows. By analysing the content of the postrevolution anti-terror legislation and laws in Egypt, the chapter reveals how the Egyptian legislators adopted a broad, ambiguous, and politicalised definition of terrorism to prevent any claims for reform or democratisation. By associating political opposition with terrorist activities, Sisi’s regime has demonised requests for political reform and de-legitimatised “peaceful” opposition as being against the rules of the country, families, public servants, and public institutions.
