The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy

By: John J. Mearsheimer, Stephen M. Walt

Narrated by: Jason Culp

"The Israel Lobby" by John J. Mearsheimer and Stephen M. Walt, 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. This lobby has a far-reaching impact on America's posture throughout the Middle East in Iraq, Syria, Iran, and Lebanon, and toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and, the authors contend, it has encouraged policies profoundly damaging to both America's national interests and Israel's long-term security.

The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy is certain to widen the debate at a time when there is no more urgent issue than America's role in the Middle East.

©2007 John J. Mearsheimer and Stephen M. Walt (P)2007 Audio Renaissance, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishers LLC

Boldness

The book is factual and anyone can reach that conclusion but the boldness of the authors is where they deserve the credit.

The story that needs to be heard

We need more US citizens to read this book to understand the problems of the Israeli-Palestinians conflict and the role of the United States plays in this.

Otherwise there will never be peace.

Informative, Engaging and Perspective Shifting

I read this book on recommendation from a friend who had spent the greater part of 10 years (at the time) abroad. The author's work to highlight a clear bias American's have, especially within political contexts, toward Israel. This is not a critique or condemnation of Israel, Israeli politics nor is it a Palestinian advocate piece. Rather, this is an invitation for American's to look inward and thoughtfully consider whether the current, unequivocal and unmitigated bi-partisan support for Israel is as mutually beneficial as we often think. It begs the question: Is America Israel's greatest ally for this support, or is America enabling a country's own self-destructive policies. Well worth the read for anyone interested in foreign policy, the Israel/Palestine conflicts, or America's possibly only unifying issue.

This book is more relevant now than ever before

mirror image of modern times although this book was written nearly 20 years ago. Pretty crazy how long they’ve been able to get away with the “so and so is using civilians as human shields” or the “if you criticize us, then you’re antisemitic!” Great read.

Eye Opening in a Scary Way

JM makes his case on the malignant Israel Lobby thoroughly and objectively and brings receipts to back it up. Chapter 5 is particularly disturbing.