For the most part, the Western media spotlight has aimed at a technologically enabled, younger generation as the primary movers of the revolution. However, as we’ve shown, there are many important and well defined institutions that were critical in creating the political openings necessary for revolution the thrive. These groups, endowed with legitimacy and infrastructure, will be critical in building new and improved governance systems. With a strong basis in the rule of law, Egypt’s legal community is one such institution.

Under the Mubarak regime, the legal system was corrupted, preventing judges and lawyers from exercising their ostensible authority to curb the government’s abuse of power. Yet despite decades under such an autocratic governing style, Egyptian society still benefits from a robust community of legal practitioners. This community, frustrated by these political challenges, has been a consistent source of demands for political reform.

In a region not known for an exceptionally robust press, Egypt has one of the most diverse and independent media in the Arab world. Offline, in print and on television, citizens can choose from a range of perspectives and outlets Online, a blossoming movement of bloggers and commentators led Harvard’s Berkman Centre to, in 2009, designate Egypt the most active online journalist community the Middle East.

In a society that has long offered few legitimate channels for political participation, the Egyptian independent media has often served as de facto opposition parties. This robust media is made possible by an active customer base. Egypt’s middle class, while relatively poor, is well educated and sizable. It is from these ranks that a large proportion of Egyptian journalists are also drawn. In a society where middle and lower class citizens have routinely been harassed by security forces, the power of a press card that reads “Please make it easier for the holder of this card to do his job” has long been seen as an upwardly mobile force.

Egypt’s labour organizers have long been among the most vocal and domestically persuasive movements advocating for substantive national reform. While its demands began with workers’ rights, over the years, labour has expanded its scope and vision for social reform. A matured focus necessitated leaders become better informed, organized, and networked. Indeed, the labour movement has [...]