A model answer for the thematic unit of the OCR History A Level. Awarded top band of the mark scheme. Middle East Unit - very limited content available on the internet as it is a new spec.
To what extent do you agree that, under Nasser and his successors, both Egypt and Syria
became increasingly authoritarian states?
Nasser and his successors became increasingly authoritarian, but the extent of this ranged.
With some more authoritarian than the other. This essay will thus focus on the leadership of
Nasser, Sadat, Mubarak, and the Baathists.
Firstly, Egypt became increasingly authoritarian from 1954 to 1970, in its approach to
politics, domestic issues, and religion. When Nasser became president, he had anointed most
of the senior positions to army officers to dominate his government. This led to Nasser
becoming established as an increasingly authoritarian leader due to his government's lack of
representation. Further highlighting this, the Egyptian parties and politicians were dismissed
by January 1953. This is significant as the existence of other parties would have provided
checks and limitations to the power of the executive. It reflects how Egypt became
increasingly authoritarian due to all major decisions on the foreign and domestic policy being
made by Nasser. Demonstrating this Nasser had used his power to confiscate property from
1000 of the wealthiest landowners to endorse his socialist policies. However, it was not until
Nasser feared the Brotherhood's influence that authoritarianism grew - as demonstrated by
banning the Brotherhood. Demonstrating how Nasser's regime, combined secularism with a
ban on political parties to enforce an authoritarian style of leadership.
Moreover, disagreeing with the statement, Egypt had become less authoritarian under Anwar
Sadat and Hosni Mubarak's presidencies. This is because the country had started a slow and
uncertain transition from the full authoritarianism of the Nasser period to a halting semi-
authoritarianism. They had reopened the system to party competition, whilst continuing a ban
on the Muslim Brotherhood. Whilst also allowing some, though limited, freedom of the press.
Regular multi-party elections were also held but ensured that only the government's National
Democratic Party could win. Demonstrating how both leaders had retained their power whilst
becoming more representative. However, Egypt was forced to become more authoritarian
once the Muslim Brotherhood attempted to overthrow Sadat in September 1981. Ultimately
resulting in 1500 people being arrested. This is significant as some of the arrested were
journalists who criticised the government, which demonstrates how the freedom of the press
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