Maya El Azhary

900131936

Reaction Paper

Theme : Religious Politics, Secular States: Egypt & India...A Short History of
Modern Egypt

Sub-topic: Why did socialism, after the British occupation/post independence, in

India and Egypt fail? What were Nasser and Nehru’s ideologies?
 Egypt and India, two nations that have always shared the beauty of possessing

ancient historical civilization but had previously shared temporarily common politics.

In fact, both countries were victims of British occupation. However, it started in India

during the 18th century and it only reached Egypt during the late 19th century (1882).

The aftermath of the British occupation resulted in the emergence of socialist leaders

in both countries; Jawaharlal Nehru in India and Gamal Abdel Nasser in Egypt. Both

leaders thrived for a just and equal society, their ultimate desire was to wipe out

poverty and build an equitable socio-economic system. They both abided by the same

schemes of nationalization, high taxation, agricultural and land reforms.

To end the market monopolization and fight poverty, Nehru, the Indian leader,

took a stand between capitalism and complete socialism; he was keen on integrating a

mixed economy whereas he allowed privatization that was highly regulated by the

government. Nehru established several institutions, mainly economic ones that aimed

to make the society self-reliant. Also, he imposed high taxation on the government

bureaucrats.

On the other hand, Nasser made sure to nationalize several sectors aiming to

terminate the existence of the private ones. As the big families were taking control

over 200 acres, the peasants retained almost less the 50 acres. Thus, Nasser imposed a

maximum ownership of 50 acres per person. Subsequently, he imposed high taxation

that reached 90% on a 10 000 Dollars yearly income.

As an Egyptian, I did not have to look up how the socialist regime, or in other

words: Nasserism, affected my country. As symbolic as it sounds, imagining the

Egyptian society in the form of a pyramid, the large base at the bottom represents the

agriculture men and the less fortunate who keep our society together; in which case,
they are the ones keeping the pyramid standing, as they are the ones holding it up.

And as you go up the pyramid, the diameter begins to tighten up as it reaches the

peak, which represents the highest of highest bureaucrats of the country. It is indeed

not the fairest division, however, even though I did not study anthropology or

sociology, I believe that a hierarchal society is the healthiest. One cannot have

everyone on top of the pyramid in the name of justice; I believe that everyone matters

no matter where they stand on the “pyramid”.

The Indian society is divided by the caste system that has set certain categories

that are based on religion and ethnic background. Ironically, when you look up the

caste system, it is presented in a pyramidal way that depicts the hierarchical castes.

Imagining both pyramidal societies, their leaders turned them upside down in

the name of justice. By doing that, it ended up with the widespread of inefficiency

whereas unqualified people were appointed tasks that they knew so little about. When

discussing this point with Indian students, they admitted that ultimate failure of

Nehru’s socialism in India. I am not sure if we both perceive socialism as a total

failure in our countries because, fortunately, we come from a good social background,

I believe so as we are privileged to get connected with countries and overseas

institutions which gives me the chance to assume that they’re families are well-off in

terms of finance and social class. Hence, we may feel some kind of negligence

towards socialism and others who come from different social-classes actually seek

socialism as they think it is in their benefit, yet I am not sure they actually know what

it does to a sovereign state.

Finally, Socialism in India and Egypt lacked the one thing it needed that is

education. Not only it failed, but also it shaped both societies rather than reflect them.

People we’re living peacefully, servants knew how to serve, bureaucrats knew how to
get work done. Even though I am of course for the well being of everyone in the

country regardless of their social class, however, I don’t see taking from the rich to

give the poor is the ideal solution. I believe that education is the root of every

corrupted aspect in a country; no socialist movement nor capitalistic could fix it;

educating the people so they would excel in what they are made for is the key to

justice.
Sources:

- Video Conference : Wednesday 24th of Feberuary

- Class readings:

1. ‘Compare Egypt to India’. http://www.ifitweremyhome.com/compare/EG/IN

2. Afaf Lutfi Al-Sayed. A History of Egypt from Arab Conquest to Present, Ch.6 and 7.

3. ‘India-Egypt Relations’. India-Africa Forum Summit 2015

- External sources:
1. http://www.epw.in/system/files/pdf/1964_16/29-30-
31/nehru_and_socialism.pdf

2. http://www.saylor.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Nasserism.pdf