Description
Book SynopsisThe first all-encompassing book on Israel’s foreign policy and the diplomatic history of the Jewish people,
The Star and the Scepter retraces and explains the interactions of Jews with other nations from the ancient kingdoms of Israel to modernity.
Trade Review"
The Star and the Scepter fills an important niche and is a recommended reference, particularly for those with a limited knowledge of the history and complexities of Israeli diplomacy."—Gerald M. Steinberg,
Journal of the Middle East and Africa "Navon deserves praise for his vast and in-depth coverage of a large number of dramatic historical events throughout Jewish and Israeli history. His book makes for enjoyable and thought-provoking reading."—Avi Millo,
Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs"The presentation and analysis of Israel's foreign policy since the establishment of the state is straightforward and illuminating. The book's fourth section, 'Israel on the world scene', which covers relations with Europe, the United States, Russia, Asia, Africa, Latin America, the United Nations and the Diaspora, includes interesting insights into some areas which are rarely covered."—
International Affairs"Absorbing and informative."—Azriel Bermant,
Foreign Policy"Demonstrating that diplomacy is a balancing act between ideals and realpolitik,
The Star and the Scepter draws aspirational and pragmatic lessons from Israel’s exceptional diplomatic history."—
Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security"The Star and the Scepter should be required reading for every veteran and cadet in Israel’s Foreign Ministry, and will be of significant interest to informed and educated general readers concerned with the Jewish people’s and the Jewish state’s places in the world."—Brandon Marlon,
Jerusalem Report"Ambitious and comprehensive. . . . not only timely but overdue. This well-written and readable book sets out to and succeeds in providing a needed update of Israeli foreign policy."—Jonathan Spyer,
Middle East Quarterly"A welcome, accessible and readable contribution to our understanding of Israel's history and the Jewish people's history. . . . Deft analysis and explanation of Israel's relations with Asian states, its diplomatic initiatives in Africa, Latin America and the Arab world, make this book impressive and timely."—Seth J. Frantzman,
Jerusalem Post"A respected scholar of Israeli foreign policy. . . . Provides a sweeping portrayal of an ancient nation’s diplomacy—a diplomacy that should be more carefully studied in universities, both in Israel and abroad."—Shmuel Sandler,
Israel Affairs"Navon . . . has done a first-rate job of laying out the basics of Israeli diplomacy, its sources, methods, objectives and achievements. One could not ask for a better single-volume introduction to the history of the Jewish state's foreign policy."—David Rodman,
Fathom JournalTable of ContentsList of Maps
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Part 1. Israel and the Nations in the Hebrew Bible
1. The Pentateuch
2. The Prophets
3. The Writings
Part 2. Jewish Diplomacy from Antiquity to Modernity
4. From Kingdom to Serfdom
5. Between Powerlessness and Empowerment
6. The Zionist Controversy
7. Zionist Diplomacy in the Post–World War I International System
8. The British Mandate and Its Dilemmas
Part 3. The Rebirth of Israel and the Arab-Israeli Conflict
9. Israel and the Middle East at the Beginning of the Cold War
10. The Periphery Strategy and Its Aftermath
11. Israel and the Arab States
12. Israel and the Palestinians
Part 4. Israel on the World Scene
13. The European Paradox
14. The American Alliance
15. The Russian Enigma
16. The Long March to Asia
17. The Scramble for Africa
18. Latin American Dilemmas
19. The United Nations Saga
20. The Diaspora Challenge
21. Israel and the Geopolitics of Energy
Conclusion
Glossary
Notes
Bibliography
Index
