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US Policy toward Israel
The Role of Political Culture in Defining the ‘Special Relationship’

Elizabeth Stephens
Elizabeth Stephens is a Ph.D. graduate from the London School of Economics & Political Science, in the department of International Relations. Her research focuses on US foreign policy, the international relations of the Middle East and American political culture. She has worked as a researcher for the Gulf Research Centre, where she published a paper on the history, politics and economics of EU-GCC relations. She now works as a freelance writer for financial and academic publications.

“Dr Stephens’ book is a thoughtful examination of the foundations and complexities of the ‘special relationship’ between the US and Israel from 1948 to the present. As a work of contemporary importance, it should take the reader beyond simplistic notions of relations between Washington, Tel Aviv, and the rest of the world. As a work of academic scholarship, it should remain an essential study for years to come.” William Lucas, Professor of American Studies, University of Birmingham

“The special relationship between the United States and Israel has been the subject of much study and analysis over the decades of its existence. Explaining the phenomenon has enticed numerous scholars and observers to examine and often to complain about the relationship. This work is a useful contribution that facilitates our understanding of this phenomenon and suggests a number of new ways to think about the interaction of these two states.” Professor Bernard Reich, George Washington University, Washington, DC

“One of the many strengths of this absorbing book is that the religious upbringing of Presidents is explored. Lyndon Johnson, raised on Bible stories, believed in the right of the Jews to their own homeland and considered Islam incompatible with American political culture. Richard Nixon also underwent a religious immersion and saw Jews as congenial outsiders, appointing several to key posts in his administration. Ronald Reagan quoted the bible and, despite differences, the special relationship blossomed during his tenure of the White House. Editing horrific footage of the Nazi concentration camps imbued him with a moral obligation to ensure there was no repeat of the Holocaust.

Written with aplomb, US Policy towards Israel is engaging and replete with measured judgements. Wisely it does not claim that political culture provides a one-size-fits-all explanation for the special US-Israeli relationship, but it does succeed in demonstrating that underlying historical, cultural and religious affinities brought the bonding to fruition and ensure its continuance. In short, it is an outstanding debut from an astute author who will go far, and it comes highly recommended.” Journal of American Studies

The rationale for Washington’s enduring commitment to Israel has long been a puzzle. During the Cold War it was argued that democratic Israel was a natural ally amidst a world of semi-authoritarian and often pro-Soviet states,. But the Cold War is over, and the American commitment to Israel, a small state that is largely oil free, and of little tangible economic benefit, remains.
… An alternative view is that the US commitment is underwritten by the Jewish lobby which exercises a disproportionate influence on American policy. Even when combined with the influence of Protestant fundamentalists who, for largely religious reasons, increasingly support Israel, it is still questionable whether interest group politics could determine American foreign policy to such an extent. Despite transitions between Republican and Democratic presidents, bureaucratic support for Israel remains relatively constant indicating that support for Israel is not a product of partisan politics but a given, firmly ingrained in political discourse.
… This book explains the American commitment to Israel within a framework of political culture. Although political culture is not the sole explanatory factor in the development of US policy toward Israel, it has played a key role in serving to shape and define the American approach to foreign affairs, thus contributing to decisions and operations that cannot easily be explained solely in geopolitical, economic or military terms.

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