Israel Studies; Diplomatic History, Israel-US Relations, US Foreign Policy, US disarmament and arms control

I am currently engaged in two projects. The first is provisionally titled Presidents vs. the Israel Lobby. It examines the relationship between American administrations and the Israel lobby through a series of case studies. The book analyses episodes in which presidents faced strong pressure from the Israel lobby—a loose coalition of individuals and organisations seeking to influence American foreign policy in ways beneficial to Israel—either to support policies they opposed or to block policies they advanced. In these cases, however, presidents adhered to their positions despite that pressure. In several instances, the events unfolded during presidential election years. The central question, therefore, is why presidents resisted the lobby and maintained their decisions despite its presumed power. The argument advanced here is that the Israel lobby did not possess the capacity to determine policy outcomes. It could highlight issues and mobilise attention, and presidents were attentive to it in part because the US–Israel special relationship rested on religious underpinnings, shared commitments, and historical ties. However, when presidents judged that American national interests took precedence, they rejected the lobby’s position, even at potential political cost.

My second project is titled "Pilgrims, Travellers, and the Making of the US-Israel Special Relationship." I will examine the role of pilgrims and travellers in shaping and sustaining the special bond between Israel and the United States. The book highlights three constants underpinning American support for Israel: religion, values, and history, which are deeply ingrained in the American psyche.
The project focuses on the personal experiences of Christian and Jewish pilgrims and travellers, exploring their distinct characteristics and how these experiences have evolved over time. These individuals make the connection to Israel more vivid and tangible for Americans, strengthening the special relationship. The study also delves into the efforts of the Zionist administration and the Israeli government to utilize pilgrims and travellers as influential agents in shaping Israel's image in the United States. By examining the methods and messages used to impact these individuals' experiences, the author reveals how they were turned into citizen diplomats serving Israel's national interests.