Britain and Jordan: Imperial Strategy, King Abdullah I and the Zionist Movement

(Hardback)

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In the wake of the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, it has often been alleged, King Abdullah I of Jordan and the Zionist movements colluded to partition Mandate Palestine between them, while Great Britain, the retreating imperial power, gave them tacit approval to do so. Here, Tancred Bradshaw challenges these allegations, looking at the complex and often strained relations between the emerging states of Jordan, Israel and the at first hegemonic, and then crumbling, British Empire. Using a wide range of primary sources which have previously been largely ignored, 'Britain and Jordan' offers an essential re-examination of the relationships which were to shape the Middle East as it is today. It thus contains vital analysis for anyone involved in the study of the Middle East, its politics and history, as well as the demise of Britain's empire in the region.

Reviews

'Tancred Bradshaw's original work resurrects King Abdullah of Jordan as a canny negotiator in the Middle East maelstrom. An unusual and interesting book.' Colin Shindler, Professor of Israeli Studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, and author of Land Beyond Promise and Ploughshares into Swords (both I.B.Tauris) 'Tancred Bradshaw's Britain and Jordan offers a new look at an old subject: the triangular relationship between Abdullah, Britain, and the Zionists. It is an impressive piece of work, based on a dozen years of exhaustive research in a dozen archives across three continents. In pleasantly lucid prose, Tancred tells the story afresh, offering the most thorough account to date, correcting misperceptions, challenging received wisdom, and offering new insights along the way. Britain and Jordan will be important reading for anyone interested in Jordan and Palestine in the mandate era.' James Onley, Senior Lecturer in Middle Eastern History, Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, University of Exeter

Author Bio

Tancred Bradshaw received his PhD from SOAS, and has since taught at Birkbeck College, University of London, City University and Florida State University.