National security outweighs norms and principles: Egypt's foreign policy towards the Russia-Ukraine War

This contribution examines Egypt's foreign policy towards the Russia-Ukraine war through the lens of its long-standing commitment to the principle of equal sovereignty. Despite its historic adherence to and promotion of this principle, Egypt adopted a balancing position, refraining from publicly condemning Russia or fully supporting Ukraine. By comparing Egypt's stance on the Russia-Ukraine war to its responses in previous cases involving the violation of territorial sovereignty, we demonstrate how Egypt's balancing position on the war represents a deviation from the sovereignty principle. Our analysis suggests that while Egypt has traditionally viewed the sovereignty principle as a cornerstone of its national security and foreign relations, the adverse impact of the Ukraine war on its national security has compelled a reassessment of this stance.