* * *
* * *
Egypt, situated in a strategic location at the crossroads of Africa and the Middle East, has long been a pivotal reference point for various political and social initiatives. Due to its geopolitical significance, the country has found itself at the centre of complex and often competing propaganda efforts aimed at shaping public opinion towards distrust of the West and democratic values. Here, the influences of global powers such as Russia and China, striving to strengthen their positions in the region, collide with those of traditional Western allies who continue to play a significant role in Egypt’s politics and economy.
At the same time, Egyptian society, having been shaped over the years by external influences and numerous internal tensions, demonstrates a susceptibility to narratives favouring conservative, authoritarian models of governance. In the face of economic uncertainty and the lingering memories of the colonial era, anti-Western messaging easily finds fertile ground, further bolstered by both state and non-state media. While the sense of threat posed by the West remains a prominent theme, it is impossible to overlook cultural and historical factors that influence the distribution of political sympathies. Understanding these phenomena is crucial to devising effective strategies for countering disinformation and promoting more open and democratic attitudes in the region.
The following material constitutes one of the chapters of the Report: Study of the Information Environment in Egypt and outlines the scale, context, and specific elements of disinformation activities targeting democratic values and perceptions of the West in Egypt. The observations and recommendations presented herein are significant not only for communication and security professionals but also for non-governmental organisations, academic circles, and citizens interested in Egypt’s future.
Key Propaganda Narratives
-
The West as an Aggressor
The West, including the USA and NATO, is portrayed as a provocateur of global conflicts, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine. This is exemplified by narratives framing it as “forcing Russia to defend itself” against NATO. These narratives highlight Western interventions in the Middle East (Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan), portraying them as actions motivated solely by economic and geopolitical interests. -
Democracy as a Tool of Control
Democracy and human rights are depicted as instruments of neo-colonial control, used by the West to interfere in the internal affairs of Egypt and other developing countries. For example, criticism is directed at Western financial institutions (IMF, World Bank), which are portrayed as tools of economic exploitation. -
Double Standards
The West is accused of hypocrisy, advocating for human rights in selected regions while ignoring violations in allied states, such as Israel. This selective approach generates particular frustration in Egypt. -
Cultural Domination
Western media are presented as promoting Islamophobia and fuelling antagonism against Muslims and refugees. At the same time, emphasis is placed on Western attempts to impose cultural values that conflict with Egypt’s national identity. -
Criticism of Western Foreign Policy
Russian Arabic-language media portray the United States as a country striving to maintain global hegemony through financial and political manipulation, aimed at weakening other nations and keeping them dependent on American interests.
The European Union is depicted as following U.S. policies, even at the expense of its own economic and energy interests, leading to internal crises and weakening Europe’s position on the global stage. -
Undermining NATO’s Unity and Effectiveness
NATO is portrayed as an alliance incapable of effectively addressing contemporary challenges, with its actions often inconsistent and inefficient.
Russian media suggest that internal divisions and a lack of consensus within NATO undermine its position as a global security guarantor. -
Negative Portrayal of Western Leaders
Western leaders are sometimes depicted as incompetent or acting against the interests of their own citizens. This aims to undermine their authority and legitimacy.
These narratives highlight political mistakes and failures, both internationally and domestically, to foster distrust in Western leaders. -
Promoting Alternative Alliances and Agreements
Initiatives such as BRICS are promoted as a viable alternative to Western economic and political structures, suggesting that cooperation with non-Western countries offers greater benefits and stability.
Russian media emphasise the successes of partnerships with countries like China, presenting them as a model of effective cooperation in contrast to relations with the West.
The analysis of content disseminated by Russian Arabic-language media highlights the dominance of narratives critical of the foreign and domestic policies of Western countries, undermining NATO’s unity and effectiveness, and promoting alternative alliances as more beneficial for countries like Egypt. Western leaders are often portrayed in a negative light, aiming to weaken their authority in the eyes of the Egyptian public.
Propaganda Mechanisms
1. Channels and Sources
Traditional and Social Media:
State-controlled Russian agencies (e.g., Sputnik, RT) and Chinese platforms such as @mog_china disseminate content aimed at undermining NATO and Western positions.
Local Media:
Some Egyptian media outlets replicate foreign narratives, reinforcing their impact by emphasising historical grievances against colonialism.
2. Techniques
Manipulation of Facts:
Information is taken out of context, such as tragic events involving migrants, to portray the West as a destabilising force.
Narratives about “Western plans to control Egypt through debt and interference in domestic politics” are amplified.
Emotional Narratives:
Sensitive topics, such as Palestinian rights, are exploited to deepen mistrust towards the West.
Impact on Public Opinion
1. Perception of the West
The West is perceived as a dominant power imposing its political and economic interests on Egypt.
Admiration for the “strong leadership” of Vladimir Putin in opposing the West enhances the positive perception of Russia, particularly among conservative social groups.
2. Influence on Democratic Values
Propaganda fosters scepticism towards democracy as a political system, promoting alternative governance models, such as “stable authoritarianism.”
3. Social Tensions
Propagated narratives exacerbate divisions between proponents of pro-Western reforms and traditionalists who view democracy as a threat to Egypt’s cultural identity.
Expert Opinion
Consultations with a local partner reveal that Egyptian society exhibits a deep susceptibility to anti-Western narratives due to a historical lack of trust in external powers and a widespread belief in Western interference in regional affairs. The expert emphasises that social media, particularly among young people, serves as the primary channel for disseminating these narratives. The necessity of developing educational initiatives to enhance societal resilience against disinformation was also highlighted.
At the same time, according to the expert, Egyptian society demonstrates strong pro-Russian and pro-Chinese sympathies, stemming from the perception of these countries as counterbalances to Western dominance. Russia and China are regarded as “fair players” in global politics, and their narratives receive significant support in Egyptian media. Initiatives such as BRICS reinforce positive associations, emphasising their role in combating economic inequalities. The expert notes that Russia, through its agreements with Egypt in the media sector, is solidifying its presence and influence over regional media narratives.
The expert observes that the Egyptian affinity for Russia and China arises from their ability to position themselves as forces counterbalancing Western dominance. However, it is also noted that while Egypt remains cautious in its relations with the West, its economic dependence on the USA and Europe plays a crucial role in shaping the country’s policies. Egyptian media, which are more inclined to promote pro-Russian narratives, may in the future become a primary platform for further propaganda efforts targeting the West.
Recommendations
-
Proactive Communication
Support for independent Egyptian media that promote accurate information about democratic values and the benefits of international cooperation. -
Educational Campaigns
Initiatives aimed at raising youth awareness about critical thinking and information verification, which will help minimise the impact of false narratives. -
Strategic Partnerships
Development of collaboration with Egyptian academic institutions and non-governmental organisations to build public trust in democratic values. -
Response to Disinformation
Creation of regional fact-checking projects that can promptly address false information concerning the West and democracy.
Summary
Egypt has long sought stability and solutions to secure a strong position on the international stage. However, the phenomena presented in this article demonstrate that the country’s relations with the rest of the world remain fraught with numerous challenges—from historical tensions to external political manoeuvres. Propaganda activities in Egypt are rooted in strong social and cultural foundations, underscoring the importance of a comprehensive approach to addressing disinformation.
The persistent mistrust towards the West and democracy is not merely a result of current media campaigns but also a consequence of Egypt’s historical experiences with colonialism, regional wars, and economic dependency on foreign entities. As the recommendations suggest, the key to changing these attitudes lies in supporting independent media, educational initiatives, and regional fact-checking networks that can reliably expose manipulative information.
Modern Egypt faces a dilemma: whether to follow the perceived stability offered by authoritarian allies or to make efforts to strengthen democracy and foster equitable international cooperation. One thing is certain—the public’s awareness and ability to think critically are indispensable for preserving informational sovereignty and choosing development paths that benefit its citizens. This is why, alongside supporting objective journalism and media pluralism, it is essential to build a broad coalition of public institutions, NGOs, and international organisations that can help Egypt address the challenges of the disinformation era.
* * *
A public task financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland within the frame of “Public Diplomacy 2024-2025: The European Dimension and Countering Disinformation” contest
The publication expresses only the views of the author and cannot be identified with the official position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.
