Performing the E gyptian Revolution: Origins of Collective Restraint Action in the M idan

In J anuary/ F ebruary 2011, the world watched with admiration the E gyptian revolution that toppled President H ousni M ubarak. The demonstration in M idan al‐ T ahrir ( L iberation S quare in central C airo), which was the nucleus of the revolution, highlighted a largely spontaneous, civil and peaceful political performance. However, this performance was temporary, contradicting subsequent bloody conflicts in post‐revolutionary E gypt. This article examines the socio‐political origins of the M idan performance. It argues that the demonstrators exercised collective restraint, which was temporary but necessary, in order to topple M ubarak. Building on N orbert E lias' civilising process theory and social movements literature, it is argued that the origins of this performance are found in a collective knowledge of regime strategy and narrative, E gyptian socio‐political values and existing repertoires of contention. Drawing on primary sources and semi‐structured interviews, the article contends that the demonstrators exercised collective restraint to reframe regime narrative and draw public support for the revolution.