Analysis: Can The Coptic Community Of Egypt Be Considered An Ethnic Party?

Can the Coptic community of Egypt be considered an ethnic party? I argue that the Egyptian Christian Minority is more than just an ethnic minority, but instead, could be established into an ethnic political party. I believe that this could create a new class cleavage in Egypt, with the right mobilization from the Coptic community. Today, I will examine this research question and explain why I believe my argument is valid and persuasive. The Coptic people are hidden behind the preferential status of Muslims in Egypt. Their rights are constantly infringed upon and are a common target of violence from Islamist military groups. I am very interested in this ethnic minority and after reading What is an Ethnic Party, by Kanchan Chandra; I believe that they are more than just a minority. Currently, the people of the Coptic community are scattered, and are registered amongst a variety of political parties (Rowe, 2009). The Copts are indigenous Egyptian Christians, with a majority who belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church. They represent less than ten percent of Egypt. Chandra defines an ethnic party as a party that is the

During this period high rates of political participation and recognition from the government helped the Copts of Egypt feel represented and involved. However, from 1956 up until now, Coptic political participation rapidly decreased due to the authoritarian power of Nasser. Chandra explains that ethnicity struggle or ethnicity unity exerts a pull on individuals that is more profound than the pull of economic interests (Kanchan, 2011). The mere fact of ethnicity can mobilize and drive people, which can create a new cleavage. I believe that in Egypt, the Coptic people could mobilize, and create a new value cleavage based on their desire for western politics and the common feeling of being un-represented and neglected in