Uneasy Neighbors: Israel and the European Union - Softcover

Pardo, Sharon

Softcover

ISBN 10: 073912756X ISBN 13: 9780739127568

Publisher: Lexington Books, 2009

Synopsis

Uneasy Neighbors: Israel and the European Union presents a concise and thorough analysis of significant aspects of Israeli-European relations from the late 1950s to the present day. Its primary concern is to examine major facets of the troubled Israeli-European relations, which are characterized by a love-hate relationship fueled by economic passion and occasional political hostility. This study of Israeli-European relations is important not only because it explores this unusual relationship, but also because it offers insights into how the European Union (E.U.) is actually judged by Israelis as well as serves as an important indicator of how well European intentions have been translated into observable actions in both Israel and the Middle East. In addition, Israeli-European relations reflect what has been faced by the E.U. in the process of setting-up its foreign policy instruments. In other words, the book offers both an analysis of Israeli-European relations, and an observation on the Union's emerging role as an international actor, especially in the Middle East. Despite the importance of Israeli-European relations, the subject has received relatively little attention in the fields of Israeli, European and Middle East studies, outside the context of the Arab-Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A review of the academic literature reveals a limited number of studies on Israeli-E.U. relations. This book attempts to fill this academic gap in our grasp of major aspects of this relationship. Each of the chapters reflects on different dimensions of this relationship. The emphasis is on across-the-board observations and crucial areas for the understanding of Israeli-European relations. In this regard, while the chapters were designed to add up to an inclusive study, each of them can also be read individually.

About this title

Review:

This excellent work is the most comprehensive, thoughtful, and relevant account of the complex relationship between Israel and the European Union published so far. Sharon Pardo and Joel Peters approach the multifaceted and ambivalent nature of this relationship with truly impressive depth and clarity. This book is a 'must-read' for anyone interested in Israel's foreign relations and Euro-Mediterranean politics.--Raffaella A. Del Sarto, Pears-Rich Fellow in Israel Studies, University of Oxford

At a time when EU-Israeli relations are approaching a crossroads, this volume is very timely. As experienced commentators on the vicissitudes of the Israeli-European relations, Dr. Peters and Dr. Pardo are ideally positioned to posit alternatives to the policy deadlocks of the past, whilst also acknowledging the positive achievements of the previous 60 years of interactions. For all those interested in the future of this critical relationship, the authors shed light on a critical dilemma that both Israelis and Europeans will soon have to face: do these societies really still reflect the same roots or are they moving in significantly different directions? How can they manage their shared interests and differences in the future--Claire Spencer, Head, Middle East and North Africa Programme, Chatham House, London

Uneasy Neighbors is a welcome contribution to an increasingly important aspect of the EU's external relations. The publication is particularly timely coinciding as it does with the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty and the EU's enhanced foreign policy capacity. The book will be essential reading for academics and graduates researching on EU-Israeli relations.--Martin Holland, Jean Monnet Chair ad personam, Director, National Centre for Research on Europe, New Zealand

Israel is located historically, geo-politically and culturally between Christian Europe and Islamic West Asia. All the more interesting and important are the evolving "love-quarrel" relations between the European Union and Israel. Sharon Pardo's and Joel Peters' book provides a comprehensive description and penetrating analysis of these multi-dimensional relations as changing with time. It is obligatory reading for all interested in EU external relations, Israel's policy dilemmas and their dynamic interaction.--Yehezkel Dror, Professor of Political Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Pardo (ben-Gurion Univ., Israel) and Peters (Virginia Tech) present a clear, concise introduction to EU and Israeli policies toward each other without taking sides, which is impressive in itself. They find that frustration is the defining characteristic of Israel-EU relations. Expectations are too high on each side, and this situation will not be easily overcome because the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is always a part of the picture. The EU accounts for one-third of Israel's international trade. Israeli leaders talk about formally enhancing their association with the EU through new treaty arrangements ? la the European Neighborhood Policy. Some even express the desire to join the EU. However, this is clearly not possible for reasons inherent in the internal politics of both the EU and Israel. Moreover the Israelis resist any participation on the part of the EU in the Middle East peace process. The Israeli press reports incessantly about anti-Semitism in Europe, whether its incidence is rising or declining. For their part, the EU wants better ties with Israel and with Arab countries. In the European view, this can only happen if the Israeli-Palestinian situation improves. Recommended.--CHOICE, September 2010

All in all, this book is a highly insightful, thoroughly researched analysis of Israeli-EU relations and, in filling a major research gap, it should remain relevant for some time to come. Pardo and Peters have proved yet again that they are excellent analysts of Israeli foreign policy and Israeli-EU relations, and that the study of EU external relations can indeed be stimulating. This is a must-read for anyone who follows the many facets of the complex relationship between two actors who are still searching for their real role in their neighbourhoods.-- (09/01/2011)

This is a rich and comprehensive overview of EU-Israel relations. The book fills a gap in the literature by approaching this strategic relationship from several angles (bilateral, multilateral, cognitive, economic, and political, to mention a few). The clarity of the analysis and the information provided makes this book essential reading for scholars, students and policy-makers.--Sonia Lucarelli, University of Bologna

About the Author:

Sharon Pardo is a Jean Monnet Lecturer in the Department of Politics and Government at Ben-Gurion University of Negev, Israel, and director of the Centre for the Study of European Politics and Society (CSEPS). Joel Peters is associate professor in government and international affairs at the School of Public and International Affairs at Virginia Tech. Prior to joining Virginia Tech in 2006, Peters was the founding director of the Centre for the Study of European Politics and Society (CSEPS) and senior lecturer in the Department of Politics and Government at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel.

About this edition

• Publisher: Lexington Books
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 073912756X
• ISBN 13: 9780739127568
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 168