The Triumph of Military Zionism: Nationalism and the Origins of the Israeli Right

(, 2nd edition)

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Why did Israel shift from a state based on pioneering egalitarianism and 'making the desert bloom' to one which is chiefly known for its military prowess "The Triumph of Military Zionism" examines Israel's shift to the right at the hands of Menachem Begin, the supposed 'disciple' of Vladimir Jabotinsky. Shindler's book uses original research to challenge the conventional wisdom that Begin was the natural heir to Jabotinsky. He demonstrates through hitherto unpublished sources how Israel drifted away from Jabotinsky's ideas towards a maximalist Zionism because Begin's very selective interpretation of his mentor's words did not reflect Jabotinsky's intentions. This invaluable addition to the study of Israel's political history will appeal to both Middle Eastern and military historians.

Reviews

'Thorough and provoking. At the heart of Colin Shindler's book is how and why Israel transformed itself from a socialist state, based on pioneering egalitarianism, to one of the right. But it is Shindler's critical analysis of the relationship between Jabotinsky and Begin that makes this study so compelling' - Ahron Bregman, Jewish Chronicle; 'a significant contribution to the historiography of the Zionist Right' - Arye Naor, Israel Studies; 'Shindler expertly chronicles the development of Jabotinsky's philosophy of liberal, progressive nationalism, the ideological debates and schisms within Revisionism and the relevant historical events in pre-state Palestine and the Zionist movement.' - Paul Gross, Jewish Renaissance

Author Bio

Colin Shindler is Professor of Israeli Studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. His History of Modern Israel was published in 2008. He was formerly the editor of the Jewish Quarterly and Judaism Today. He is author of Land Beyond Promise and Ploughshares into Swords (both I.B.Tauris).