The Decline of the Muslim Brotherhood: A Consequence of Internal Strife and External Pressures

The Muslim Brotherhood, once a powerful political movement, is facing a crisis of identity and organization, leading to its decline in influence and stature.

The Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt has been confronting a series of crises in recent years, both from external forces and internal conflicts, which have severely weakened its position as a cohesive political entity. While the group has long been a target of the Egyptian government’s pressure, its internal divisions and ideological struggles have also played a significant role in its current predicament. Examining the internal dynamics of the group sheds light on its ability to adapt and survive in the challenging political landscape of Egypt.

Throughout its history, the Muslim Brotherhood has grappled with organizational challenges that have influenced its interactions with the state and its political ambitions. The group’s internal crises have been a recurring theme, particularly as it has sought to expand its influence internationally. However, these efforts have often been stymied by its inability to address internal divisions and maintain organizational cohesion.

While the Egyptian state’s crackdown on the Brotherhood following Mohamed Morsi’s removal from power in 2013 has undoubtedly contributed to its decline, internal divisions within the group have also played a significant role. The aftermath of Morsi’s ousting led to a leadership crisis within the Brotherhood, culminating in the group splitting into two main factions by 2021, along with several smaller groups. This fragmentation has exacerbated existing conflicts over the jurisdiction of key governing bodies and has undermined the group’s ability to maintain its organizational structure.

Moreover, the Brotherhood’s ideological coherence has been eroding, with a noticeable shift away from its core values. Despite its emphasis on obedience and hierarchical structure, the group has struggled to maintain internal stability. The Brotherhood’s adherence to the ideologies of figures like Hassan al-Banna and Sayyid Qutb has not provided adequate solutions to its evolving challenges, leading to a stagnation in its discourse and organizational values.

As a result, the Brotherhood has found it increasingly difficult to reassess its mission and structure, hindering its ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Its diminishing social capital and eroding leadership circles have further weakened its position, making it challenging for the group to maintain relevance and cohesion in the face of internal divisions and external pressures.

In conclusion, the Muslim Brotherhood’s decline can be attributed to a combination of internal strife and external pressures. As the group grapples with these challenges, its ability to adapt and evolve will be crucial in determining its future role in Egyptian politics.