Poverty and inequality in Egypt cannot be separated from the global system in which the country exists. While Egypt faces internal economic and political challenges, its struggles are shaped by an international order dominated by wealthy and powerful nations. Countries such as the United States present themselves as defenders of international and humanitarian law, yet their actions often undermine these very principles, especially when dealing with nations in Africa and the Middle East.
Egypt occupies a strategic position in global politics. Because of this, it is constantly pressured to align with the interests of powerful states. Economic aid, loans, and military assistance are offered with conditions that limit Egypt’s ability to prioritise social welfare. Public spending is reduced, subsidies are cut, and the cost of living rises. Ordinary Egyptians feel the impact through higher food prices, limited job opportunities, and declining public services, while a small elite remains protected and connected to global power networks.
This pattern is not unique to Egypt. The suffering of the Palestinian people exposes the deep hypocrisy within the international system. International and humanitarian laws clearly prohibit collective punishment, forced displacement, and attacks on civilians. Yet when Palestinians face occupation, displacement, and violence, powerful nations either remain silent or actively support the aggressor. The same governments that speak loudly about human rights elsewhere use their influence to block accountability, revealing that these laws are applied selectively.
Sudan presents another painful example. Years of conflict, humanitarian crisis, and displacement have left millions of Sudanese people vulnerable. Despite clear violations of international law and widespread civilian suffering, global responses remain slow, weak, or driven by political interest rather than human need. Aid is delayed, attention is inconsistent, and responsibility is avoided. Once again, poor people pay the price for a global order that values stability and power over justice.
The result is a world where inequality is reinforced across borders. Rich nations shape economic rules, control international institutions, and decide which lives deserve protection. Poverty in Egypt, Palestine, Sudan, and many other regions is not accidental. It grows from a system that rewards dominance and punishes independence.
Conclusion
Until international and humanitarian laws are applied fairly and consistently, inequality will continue to deepen. The promise of global justice will remain empty as long as power, rather than humanity, decides whose suffering matters.
By Yasmin Khanifa Adel