By Ibrahim Negm
Senior Advisor to the Grand Mufti of Egypt
In a Middle East riven by conflicts and shifting alliances, Egypt stands apart as a pillar of enduring strength and principled leadership. From ancient times to the present, Egypt’s trajectory has been defined by a steadfast commitment to sovereignty, stability, and moral responsibility. Even as nearby nations grapple with wars, foreign interventions, and political upheavals, Egypt’s historical integrity anchors it as a force of balance amid chaos. This continuity of purpose – stretching back to the pharaohs and persisting through modern statehood – underscores why Egypt remains a cornerstone of regional stability in an era of turbulence. The country’s legacy of wise restraint and ethical leadership offers a stark contrast to the instability and aggression that have plagued its neighborhood.
Egypt boasts one of the longest continuous histories of any nation, with a heritage tracing back to the 5th millennium BCE. As a cradle of civilisation, ancient Egypt not only pioneered writing and centralized government, but also cultivated a profound ethos of just leadership. Pharaonic rule was grounded in the concept of Ma’at – the principle of truth, justice, and cosmic order – which every ruler was duty-bound to uphold. This sacred commitment to harmony imbued Egyptian governance with a moral dimension from the very start. Notably, even at the height of their power, the earliest Egyptian kings exercised restraint: during the Old Kingdom era, Egypt was strong and prosperous, yet its kings “did not use that power to expand their borders beyond Egypt itself”. Historians note that for thousands of years, Egyptians waged wars largely “in order to protect [their] land,” often rising to expel invaders and then rebuilding stronger than before. This enduring vision of sovereignty – that a ruler’s legitimacy comes from safeguarding the nation rather than oppressing others – positioned Egypt as a moral leader in its ancient world. That civilizational DNA of honor, order, and self-determination would continue to guide Egypt’s actions in later centuries.
Egypt’s long history reveals a consistent pattern of military integrity and defensive posture, setting it apart from many regional powers. Time and again, Egypt eschewed the path of the aggressor.
Even in modern times, the Egyptian military has largely been a guardian of sovereignty and a force for liberation – never an instigator of wanton invasions or lootings of its neighbors’ wealth. For example, in the 1956 Suez Crisis Egypt stood its ground against a tripartite invasion, defending its soil and asserting the principle that nations should not be subjugated by foreign powers . In the Arab-Israeli wars of the 20th century, Egypt’s aim was to recover occupied lands and support the rights of the Palestinian people, not to seize territory for glory. Cairo’s participation in the 1991 Gulf War was in line with this ethos: Egyptian troops joined a broad coalition to reverse Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, upholding international law and Arab solidarity rather than pursuing any expansionist agenda.
Throughout its modern history, Egypt has never betrayed a sister nation by turning arms against a natural ally or violating a peace agreement. The Egyptian Armed Forces see themselves as protectors – of the homeland first and of regional order second – with a proud creed of honor and non-aggression. This integrity has earned Egypt widespread respect. As President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has noted, the world knows Egypt to be “a balanced and stable country” whose military acts as a stabilizing force rather than a destabilizing one . Such a reputation is well deserved: in an area often scarred by militarism, Egypt’s self-restraint and defensive doctrine shine as exemplary.
Complementing its military integrity, Egypt exercises notable political strategic patience and diplomacy in regional affairs. For decades, Cairo has championed principles of non-interference and cooperative security. During the Cold War, Egypt under Gamal Abdel Nasser helped found the Non-Aligned Movement, staking out an independent path that rejected both colonial domination and proxy entanglements. Nasser’s Egypt provided moral and material support to anti-imperial liberation movements abroad, earning admiration from figures like Nelson Mandela who cited Cairo’s steadfast resistance to aggression as crucial inspiration . This legacy of principled leadership endures.
In today’s conflicts across the Middle East and North Africa, Egypt consistently urges dialogue over division. It has long positioned itself as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, leveraging its unique geographical and historical ties to both sides . Since the 1979 Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty – the first between Israel and an Arab state – Cairo has balanced its treaty obligations with advocacy for Palestinian rights . Egyptian diplomacy has been pivotal in brokering ceasefires in Gaza during recurring wars (in 2008, 2012, 2014, 2021) and in reconciling Palestinian factions . More recently, amid the 2023 Israel–Hamas war, Egypt emerged as a key interlocutor trusted by all sides; its ties with Israel, the United States, Arab states, and even contacts with Hamas enabled Cairo to spearhead de-escalation efforts . Beyond the Arab-Israeli arena, Egypt pursues a similar balanced approach in neighboring crises. In Libya and Sudan – conflict zones on its borders – Cairo has generally acted with caution and restraint, advocating for political solutions. Observers note that Egypt’s policies in these conflicts, while protecting its national security interests, have been “clearly restrained and cautious” when compared to other foreign interventions . In Sudan’s 2023 civil strife, for instance, Egypt initially adopted a neutral “dialogue with all parties” approach to facilitate peace while safeguarding its own stability . Only when the situation deteriorated did Egypt lend measured support to legitimate state institutions, aiming to prevent state collapse rather than to pick winners for selfish gain . Crucially, Cairo has not armed militias or fomented unrest in its neighbors – a sharp contrast to the proxy strategies employed by some regional actors. Instead, Egypt works through diplomatic channels, multilateral forums, and confidence-building measures. It regularly hosts peace summits – from intra-Palestinian reconciliation talks to conferences on Libya’s unity – reflecting its belief that regional security is best served by dialogue, not conspiracy. As one analysis highlights, Egypt and a few like-minded states are increasingly prioritizing “diplomacy and nonviolent foreign policies over military involvement” in regional conflicts . This measured posture has cemented Egypt’s status as a voice of reason and moderation in Middle Eastern politics.
Egypt’s enduring strength and historical integrity are not accidents of geography, but the fruits of a distinctive national character forged over millennia. From the ancient pharaohs committed to justice, to modern leaders prioritising stability and fairness, Egypt has adhered to a set of core principles: sovereignty, honor, restraint, and regional goodwill. These values have guided its actions in times of peril and promise alike. As the Middle East faces a crucible of new crises, Egypt’s example shines ever brighter. The nation’s refusal to be drawn into reckless aggression, coupled with its willingness to shoulder the burden of peacemaker, offers a hopeful blueprint for the region’s future. Policymakers and observers can draw a vital lesson from Cairo’s experience: that lasting security is built not on domination or intrigue, but on cooperation, respect for one’s neighbors, and the courage to lead morally. In a region hungry for stability, Egypt continues to show that true strength is measured not by the wars one can win, but by the peace one can secure – and keep – through integrity and wisdom.
