The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy

In this expanded and updated version of a highly controversial essay that first appeared in the London Review of Books in 2006, two political scientists, John J. Mearscheimer and Stephen Walt, examine the close relationship between Israel and the United States, and ask if what has been called the Israel lobby unduly influences American foreign policy. The authors address many questions: What is meant by the umbrella term, the Israel lobby ? Does it speak with one voice? Does it actually wield so much influence? Is it different in any way from any of the many other advocacy groups? Can the close relationship between the U.S. and Israel be explained and justified? Does it affect our status in the Middle East and our relations with our other allies? The authors of THE ISRAEL LOBBY AND U.S. FOREIGN POLICY have encountered strong condemnation for their original piece. Some readers found it offensive and unseemly, while others accused the authors of anti-Semitism. Still others have praised them for opening up discussion on what has previously been a taboo topic. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.