Abstract
This study investigates the external dynamics of the Muslim Brotherhood Society, better known as the Muslim Brotherhood, which contributed to the increase in its popularity in Egypt between 1936 when the first reports about them were found, and 1949, the year of the group’s founder and leader assassination. From the analysis of secret documents written by British diplomatic authorities, available in The National Archives in London, the information gathered shows how the Islamic organization operated in the political backroom. Alliances with powerful actors, approximations and rives between dominant forces in Egyptian politics, and the British interference in local affairs were some elements explored by the group’s leadership to increase its influence and rise as an influential political force. The research has shown that, generally, the Muslim Brotherhood used its popularity as a bargaining tool to deal with the political class, and it became a support pillar for thestatus quo.
Keywords:
Islam; British Empire; Social movements