The Sword is Not Enough: Arabs, Israelis, and the Limits of Military Force - Manchester University Press (Hardback)
Jeremy Pressman (author)Published: 20/08/2020
In this lucid and timely new book, Jeremy Pressman demonstrates that the default use of military force on both sides of the Arab-Israeli conflict has prevented its peaceful resolution.
Whether called deterrence or war, armed struggle or terrorism, the history of the conflict reveals that violence has been counterproductive. Drawing on historical evidence from the 1950s to the present, The sword is not enough pushes back against the dominant belief that military force leads to triumph while negotiations and concessions lead to defeat and further unwelcome challenges. Violence weakens the security situation, bolsters adversaries, and, especially in the case of Palestine, has sabotaged political aims.
Studiously impartial and accessibly written, this book shows us that diplomacy is the only answer.
Publisher: Manchester University Press
ISBN: 9781526146175
Number of pages: 296
Dimensions: 216 x 138 mm
MEDIA REVIEWS
'This book utterly demolishes the argument that force alone can achieve a political solution to a conflict; and it argues cogently that the reliance on force alone can increase the chances of more “violence, unintended escalation, war, and greater insecurity.” How much better off would we be if these critical lessons were applied by our leaders.'Daniel Kurtzer, S. Daniel Abraham Professor of Middle East Policy Studies, Princeton University and former U.S. Ambassador to Egypt and Israel'Well-argued and convincing, Pressman shows the crucial limitations of war and the reliance on military power. Pressman brilliantly shows that the use of force often leads to counter-reactions, and consequently, is often counter-productive.'Hilde Henriksen Waage, Professor of History, University of Oslo‘A respected expert on the Arab-Israeli conflict, Pressman thoughtfully drives his conclusion home through rich analysis of multiple episodes in the history of the conflict. Illuminating and worth reading.'Shibley Telhami, Anwar Sadat Professor for Peace and Development, University of Maryland'Clear, balanced and informative: a must-read for anyone who cares about the region.'Mira Sucharov, Professor of Political Science, Carleton University, Canada'The book skillfully draws on scholarly research, statements made by Israeli, Palestinian, and other Arab leaders, news reports, and additional primary and secondary sources. Written in a clear and accessible style, The Sword Is Not Enough is a smooth read for those well-versed in the political history of the region, and it is also appropriate for students with basic, but limited, background knowledge of the conflict.'Diana B. Greenwald, Department of Political Science, City College of New York for the International Journal of Middle East Studies (2022), 1–3 - .
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