ABSTRACT
Sisi possesses the prototypical dictatorial political persona. That his dictatorship is not simply the product of an inherently dictatorial political system is demonstrated by comparison with his presidential predecessors. Along the dimensions of dictatorial rule – instilling fear and greed, creating an image of toughness leavened by concern for the weak and poor, conspiring against domestic and foreign challengers, and ruling without institutional political constraints such as those embodied in even a single party – Sisi is at the top end of each. None of his presidential predecessors so brutalized the population nor appeared so disdainful of close colleagues. While none was a committed democrat, all had some interest in and commitment to a national political life as evidenced by public debate and institutionalized politics. Sisi alone has demonstrated a personal contempt for politics in any and all forms, which may be the best indicator of his status as Egypt’s sole dictatorial president.
