Discuss the influence of the assassination of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat on the rise of authoritarian states in the Middle East.

The assassination of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat significantly contributed to the rise of authoritarian states in the Middle East.

Anwar Sadat, the third President of Egypt, was assassinated on 6th October 1981 during the annual victory parade held in Cairo to celebrate Egypt's crossing of the Suez Canal. His assassination was orchestrated by a jihadist military cell within the Egyptian army, angered by Sadat's peace treaty with Israel. This event marked a significant turning point in the political landscape of the Middle East, leading to the rise of authoritarian states in the region.

Sadat's assassination sent shockwaves throughout the Middle East, creating a power vacuum that was quickly filled by his Vice President, Hosni Mubarak. Mubarak, who ruled Egypt for almost 30 years, implemented a series of policies that further entrenched authoritarian rule in Egypt. He expanded the powers of the state security apparatus, suppressed political dissent, and curtailed civil liberties. This set a precedent for other states in the region, leading to a trend of increasing authoritarianism.

Moreover, Sadat's assassination highlighted the threat posed by Islamist extremism to the stability of Middle Eastern states. This led many governments in the region to adopt a more authoritarian stance in an attempt to maintain control and suppress potential threats. The fear of Islamist extremism was used to justify the curtailment of civil liberties, the suppression of political opposition, and the expansion of state security powers.

Furthermore, the international response to Sadat's assassination also played a role in the rise of authoritarian states in the Middle East. Western powers, particularly the United States, were keen to maintain stability in the region due to its strategic importance and oil reserves. As a result, they often turned a blind eye to the authoritarian practices of their Middle Eastern allies, further enabling the rise of authoritarian states.

In conclusion, the assassination of Anwar Sadat had a profound influence on the political landscape of the Middle East. It led to the rise of authoritarian states in the region by creating a power vacuum, highlighting the threat of Islamist extremism, and encouraging the international community to prioritise stability over democracy. This event marked a significant turning point in the history of the Middle East, the effects of which are still felt today.