Legitimacy can also be derived from a national struggle for freedom and independence, as happened in Third World countries during the era of liberation from foreign colonialism. Similarly, it can be the outcome of popular revolutions against despotism that eventually fulfil the material and moral ambitions of the people, such as the attainment of economic welfare or expressing the sentiment, values and aims of the majority. This would also include the attainment of security and social stability for the population as a whole.

There is no doubt that the 3 July coup leadership, which toppled a leadership that was born out of the popular legitimacy whose foundations were laid down by the January 2011 revolution, failed three years after its inception to establish a new legitimacy.

In the absence of such a legitimacy, the ruling leadership seemingly has no other means to maintain their existence other than unleashing the tools of oppression and hegemony, using force and instilling horror in the hearts of the majority. Hence the significance of last Friday’s uprising in Egypt.