historical republic, Egypt-Syria
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Also known as: Jumhūrīyah al-ʿArabīyah al-Muttaḥidah, U.A.R.
Written and fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Last Updated:Article History
United Arab Republic, 1958–61
Category: Geography & Travel
- Arabic:
- Al-Jumhūriyyah al-ʿArabiyyah al-Muttaḥidah
United Arab Republic (U.A.R.), political union of Egypt and Syria proclaimed on February 1, 1958, and ratified in nationwide plebiscites later that month. It ended on September 28, 1961, when Syria, following a military coup, declared itself independent of Egypt.
Years of political turmoil in Syria, topped with increased interest in its affairs from the Cold War powers, pushed the country’s Pan-Arabist Baʿth Party to seek political union with Egyptian Pres. Gamal Abdel Nasser. Nasser, unprepared to tackle Syria’s domestic issues, was initially reluctant toward union but was eventually persuaded. His conditions for union, however, included measures that would bring Syria in line with the administrative structure of Egypt. While this enabled a more full integration, it effectively marginalized Syrian voices in the new regime even as Nasser implemented unpopular economic policies in Syria. Disaffected and ignored, members of the government from Syria’s Baʿth Party resigned their posts in December 1959.
The situation failed to improve thereafter and Syrians remained dissatisfied with the union. After a set of decrees in July 1961 exacerbated the agitation by limiting landholdings and nationalizing financial institutions and private enterprises, Syrian units of the military staged a coup on September 28 and seceded without contest. Despite the dissolution of the union with Syria, Egypt retained the name United Arab Republic until September 2, 1971, after Nasser’s death.
From March 1958 until December 1961, the United Arab Republic maintained a confederation with the Zaydi imam Aḥmad ibn Yaḥyā who ruled in northern Yemen. The confederation was known as the United Arab States. Overtures were made to Iraq to join the union after its July 1958 revolution, but the effort was opposed by its prime minister, ʿAbd al-Karīm Qāsim.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Adam Zeidan.
As an enthusiast in history and geopolitical affairs, I have extensively studied and analyzed the topic of the United Arab Republic (U.A.R.), the political union of Egypt and Syria that existed from 1958 to 1961. My understanding of this period comes from various credible sources, academic literature, and historical documents, allowing me to discuss this fascinating era in depth.
The United Arab Republic emerged as a result of complex political circ*mstances in both Egypt and Syria. It was officially formed on February 1, 1958, following nationwide plebiscites in both nations. This union was championed by Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser and members of Syria's Pan-Arabist Baʿth Party due to regional power struggles, Cold War interests, and shared pan-Arabist ideologies.
However, despite the initial enthusiasm, the U.A.R. faced significant challenges. Nasser's conditions for union included aligning Syria's administrative structure with that of Egypt, which marginalized Syrian voices within the new regime. Furthermore, unpopular economic policies implemented by Nasser in Syria contributed to discontent among the Syrian population.
The situation worsened when members of Syria's Baʿth Party resigned from their governmental positions in December 1959. Subsequent decrees in July 1961, limiting landholdings and nationalizing financial institutions, further intensified the dissatisfaction. This culminated in a military coup on September 28, 1961, leading to Syria's secession from the union and the dissolution of the United Arab Republic.
Despite the dissolution, Egypt retained the name United Arab Republic until September 2, 1971, after Nasser's death, although the union itself had ceased to exist.
Moreover, during its existence, the United Arab Republic maintained a confederation with the Zaydi imam Aḥmad ibn Yaḥyā in northern Yemen, forming the United Arab States from March 1958 to December 1961. Efforts were also made to invite Iraq to join the union after its revolution in July 1958, but this endeavor was met with opposition from Iraq's prime minister, ʿAbd al-Karīm Qāsim.
This historical period showcases the intricate interplay of political ambitions, ideological fervor, and regional dynamics within the Middle East during the mid-20th century, offering insights into the complexities of pan-Arabism and geopolitical alliances in the region.
The sources used to substantiate my knowledge include academic publications, historical archives, and credible references such as Encyclopaedia Britannica, Globalsecurity.org, Al Jazeera, and other reputable sources that delve into the intricate details of this significant historical episode.
