Continuity and Change in Political Culture: Israel and Beyond

Ten leading scholars and practitioners of politics, political science, anthropology, Israel studies, and Middle East affairs address the theme of continuity and change in political culture in honor of Professor Myron (Mike) J. Aronoff. The book explores topics such as the legitimacy of the two-state solution, identity and memory, denationalization, the role of trust in peace negotiations, democracy, majority-minority relations, inclusion and exclusion, Biblical and national narratives, art in public space, and avant-garde theater.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Ten renowned scholars and practitioners of politics, political science, anthropology, Israel studies, and Middle East affairs come together to honor Professor Myron (Mike) J. Aronoff, whose groundbreaking work on political culture has established conceptual and methodological connections between political science and anthropology. This tribute volume explores the theme of continuity and change in political culture, delving into diverse topics such as the legitimacy of the two-state solution, identity and memory, denationalization, the role of trust in peace negotiations, democracy, majority-minority relations, inclusion and exclusion, Biblical and national narratives, art in public space, and avant-garde theater. Spanning across countries including Israel, Palestine, the United States, the Basque Autonomous Region of Spain, and Poland, the book offers a comprehensive examination of these critical issues.

In the first four chapters, Yael S. Aronoff, Saliba Sarsar, Yossi Beilin, and Nadav Shelef delve into the intricate aspects of the conflict and peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, exploring alternative solutions. Naomi Chazan, Ilan Peleg, and Joel Migdal examine challenges to democracy in Israel, other divided societies, and the creation of the American public. Yael Zerubavel, Roland Vazquez, and Jan Kubik focus their analyses on national memory, memorialization, and dramatization.

In the Epilogue, Mike Aronoff provides an integrative essay that ties together his work on various aspects of political culture with each chapter, offering a deeper understanding of the themes explored throughout the book.

This tribute volume serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and policymakers seeking to understand the complex dynamics of political culture and its implications for contemporary societies. It sheds light on the challenges and opportunities facing nations in the Middle East and beyond, promoting dialogue and understanding between different communities.

Weight: 404g
Dimension: 228 x 151 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793605726