Explaining the Spatial Variation of Sectarian Violence in Egypt
Skip to main content
eScholarship
Open Access Publications from the University of California

UC Irvine

UC Irvine Electronic Theses and Dissertations bannerUC Irvine

Explaining the Spatial Variation of Sectarian Violence in Egypt

Abstract

This dissertation analyzes the surge in sectarian violence against Coptic Christians in Egypt from 2011-2018. It addresses a gap in the literature by analyzing the spatial distribution of violence within a non-democratic regime, focusing on the number of Coptic churches, population demographics of the Copts, and the perceived sociopolitical threat posed by the Coptic community. In doing so, I expand Blalock’s threat theory to authoritarian regimes in order to offer a nuanced understanding of sectarian violence in Egypt, emphasizing the role of visibility and organization in shaping perceptions of threat. Employing a novel dataset of 596 sectarian attacks, this dissertation utilizes both quantitative and qualitative methods to identify and analyze the underlying mechanisms of sectarian violence. Chapter 1 provides a historical overview of Coptic-Muslim relations since the Arab conquest of Egypt, highlighting a notable shift from state driven violence in the pre-modern era (641 AD-1922), to mob violence in the modern era (1923-present). Chapter 2 presents a large N study of sectarian attacks in Egypt from 2011-2018, highlighting that higher percentages of Copts and the number of churches per governorate are significant factors in the occurrence of violence, while political Islam and police presence are less influential. Chapter 3 offers a qualitative analysis of church-related tensions, interfaith relationships, and the role of rumors and honor, further highlighting the importance of churches in understanding sectarian relations in Egypt. By examining these dynamics, the dissertation explores how perceived threats and competition under authoritarian regimes manifest outside electoral arenas.