Al-Sisi plays between the superpowers - and the risk to Egypt only grows | Dr. Anat Hochberg-Marom

Dr. Anat Hochberg-Marom analyzes Egypt's multi-power foreign policy under Al-Sisi, maneuvering between the US, China, Russia, and India. Alongside economic opportunities, the article points to strategic risks stemming from a severe economic crisis, dependence on external aid, Chinese penetration into critical infrastructure, and the danger of being dragged into regional conflicts.

Dr. Anat Hochberg-Marom analyzes Egypt's foreign policy under President Al-Sisi, maneuvering between four major powers: the US, China, Russia, and India. Egypt benefits from Chinese investments exceeding $10 billion in the Suez Canal area, a Russian nuclear deal worth $30 billion, and Indian investments in green hydrogen. At the same time, it continues to receive annual US security aid of $1.3 billion. The article highlights that behind the facade of a "balancing axis" lies a fragile geo-economic reality: high inflation (14.9%), a sharp devaluation of the Egyptian pound (about 51 pounds to the dollar), heavy external debt ($164.8 billion), and total dependence on external capital inflows. Chinese penetration into critical infrastructure in the Suez region increases risks to global supply chains, and reliance on IMF loans and Gulf investments could deepen the debt crisis. For Israel, the gas deal with Egypt worth $35 billion until 2040 constitutes a critical political and energy lever.