The Israel Lobby," by John J. Mearsheimer of the University of Chicago and Stephen M. Walt of Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government, was one of the most controversial articles in recent memory. Originally published in the London Review of Books in March 2006, it provoked both howls of outrage and cheers of gratitude for challenging what had been a taboo issue in America: the impact of the Israel lobby on U.S. foreign policy. Now in a work of major importance, Mearsheimer and Walt deepen and expand their argument and confront recent developments in Lebanon and Iran. They describe the remarkable level of material and diplomatic support that the United States provides to Israel and argues that this support cannot be fully explained on either strategic or moral grounds. This exceptional relationship is due largely to the political influence of a loose coalition of individuals and organizations that actively work to shape U.S. foreign policy in a pro-Israel direction. Mearsheimer and Walt provocatively contend that the lobby has a far-reaching impact on America's posture throughout the Middle East—in Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, and toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict—and the policies it has encouraged are in neither America's national interest nor Israel's long-term interest. The lobby's influence also affects America's relationship with important allies and increases dangers that all states face from global jihadist terror. Writing in The New York Review of Books, Michael Massing declared, "Not since Foreign Affairs magazine published Samuel Huntington's ‘The Clash of Civilizations?' in 1993 has an academic essay detonated with such force." The publication of The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy is certain to widen the debate and to be one of the most talked-about books in foreign policy.
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"All Americans need to read this book. True to the books prediction the authors have been vilified and sequestered in their profession. I can hardly standby and watch how Americans are puppets to Israel's foreign policy. Our media are all influenced by Israel policy makers in the form of AIPAC."
— James (5 out of 5 stars)
" Excellent review of the major points of the 'peace' process. Fantastic analysis and description of why the US behaves as it does as far as the Middle East policy goes. Fascinating. "
— Toby, 7/26/2024" I remember this being fairly good... "
— Jason, 2/12/2014" They make a strong case that Israel is more of a strategic liability than an asset to the U.S. However, their argument that the Israel lobby, AIPAC in particular, wields significant influence over Congress is a bit weakened by a lack of thoroughness and a reliance on secondary sources. For example, they go to great lengths to quote Congressional staffers who say that the lobby is highly influential and at times ruthless; but they make an inconsistent effort to document and connect the lobby's political contributions to particular members and the public statements of support for Israel, as well as the voting records, of those particular members. To their credit, the authors repeatedly emphasize the point that the Israel lobby - contrary to what some may think - is not a cabal. Rather it is a well organized, well funded, and highly effective group of advocates operating well within the the law. "
— Sean, 2/9/2014" A decent read. I'd suggest it simply because of its importance in the culture wars surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict. I have serious questions about the authors' commitments, however, and find some tacit racism in their arguments here and elsewhere. Those interested in justice for Palestinians should handle with care. "
— Steven, 2/1/2014" Great book! A lot of Americans still have residual respect for Israel, and this book ought to smash that out of their skulls once and for all. "
— Budd, 1/26/2014" Finally finished this portion of the dreaded thesis. "
— J, 1/23/2014" Mearsheimer has put together an overwhelming amount of evidence supporting the existence of a powerful lobby causing unrestrained and irrational support towards the state of Israel. Though his case is well made and his evidence overwhelming, I found that this book read more like a college level essay, drilling every point hard with little outside discussion. The book is chock full of names of people involved with all of the parties involved. Sometimes entire paragraphs were just lists of names. As such, the book was very dry and could have been made much more interesting given the size of this subject. It's a hard subject to approach due to the anti-semetic labels that are so impulsively thrown around, but Mearsheimer drives the hard truth home. "
— Greg, 1/20/2014" Insightful on the influence pro-Israel lobbyists wield with Congress through campaign contributions and blocks of votes. "
— Walter, 1/3/2014" This is an extremely well written, researched, and analyzed argument. Every politician and US citizen interested in how our foreign policy is decided should read this book. "
— Macmanj, 12/19/2013" An eye opening account for those who want to learn how Israel Lobby is working in USA to mold the foreign Policy. To me, it appears exaggeration on various points, author has made all this more fictitious, or quite possible, Israeli lobby in such a brilliant way that it almost seems fictitious. "
— Syed, 12/13/2013" Anyone interested in politics needs to read this book. I truley don't think anyone knows about this kind of stuff because the media unfortunately won't talk about such a controversial topic in a day and age where our foreign policy really needs to be reviewed and discussed by the public. "
— Heather, 11/26/2013" The good parts have been said better elsewhere. The bad parts are just silly. "
— Greg, 11/22/2013" This was a recommended read and it helped me articulate feelings I already had about the issues. "
— Lawrence, 5/22/2013" very imformative on how our middle-east policies are shaped and often not for the good "
— Tim, 5/20/2013" For those who want to know why US is always backing Israel for whatever it does. "
— Oleleho, 3/14/2013" It's no secret that powerful non-US forces shape domestic and foreign policy for this country. This is a serious description of the way the pro-Israel forces wield their influence. "
— Ronald, 3/15/2012" I'm interested in this subject, but don't have the stamina to read an entire book about foreign policy. Perhaps an article? Sorry, Jacob! I know you wanted to talk about this one, but I just can't do it. "
— Darcie, 6/4/2011" Great read, brings into light Israel's influence in US Foreign affairs. "
— Alexandra, 11/16/2010" Not a perfect work (you can tell when the authors are presenting half-truths to support their points) but important nonetheless. I basically agree with all their conclusions. "
— Heath, 10/30/2010" Must be read by all Americans with a very open mind to be able to understand the real interests of the USA and its citizen. "
— Kamil, 6/24/2010" ordered it on amazon this morning! "
— Jessica, 5/10/2009John J. Mearsheimer is the R. Wendell Harrison Distinguished Service Professor of Political Science and the codirector of the Program on International Security Policy at the University of Chicago. He has published several books, including The Tragedy of Great Power Politics.
Stephen M. Walt is the Robert and Renee Belfer Professor of International Affairs at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and was academic dean of the Kennedy School from 2002 to 2006. He is the author of Taming American Power: The Global Response to US Primacy, among other books.
Jason Culp, an Earphones Award–winning narrator, has been acting since the age of ten, and his credits include a variety of television, theater, and film roles. He is best known for his role as Julian Jerome on General Hospital. In addition to audiobooks and voice-over work in national commercials, he has also narrated documentaries for National Geographic and the History Channel.