Israel 1948-98: purpose and predicament in history

One hundred years after the birth of Zionism, & fifty after the creation of the State of Israel, this article examines the domestic & external position of Israeli society. It argues that despite huge obstacles, which continue even to this very day, Israel in its first half century has been a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Israel affairs 2002-10, Vol.8 (1-2), p.3-13
Main Author: Nisan, Mordechai
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Arab Israeli Relations
Arab-Israeli conflict
Foreign relations
Identity
International Relations
Islamic countries
Israel
Middle East
Nation building
Political Development
Political History
State building
State formation
Western countries
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Summary:One hundred years after the birth of Zionism, & fifty after the creation of the State of Israel, this article examines the domestic & external position of Israeli society. It argues that despite huge obstacles, which continue even to this very day, Israel in its first half century has been a major success story. It analyzes where these successes have occurred & examines the pressures & strains Israeli society has faced as it has matured. It argues that the major challenge to Israel is not from within but from long-time regional foes in the Arab & Muslim world. However, while acknowledging the benefits accrued to Israel from its relationship with the West, & the US in particular, it argues that Israel has also had to deal with a spiritual & psychological offensive emanating from Western civilization, which is symbolized by appeasement of the Arab world & which threatens the State of Israel. Adapted from the source document.
ISSN:1353-7121