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The Passionate Attachment: America's Involvement With Israel, 1947 to the Present
Taking up the warning in George Washington's Farewell Address that Americans should avoid a passionate attachment to another nation which could create the illusion of a common interest ... where no common interest exists, the authors examine America's 40-year involvement with the Middle East.
382 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 1992
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 24, 2023
George Ball's "The Passionate Attachment" offers a thought-provoking and critical examination of America's enduring and complex relationship with the state of Israel. In this academic review, I will delve into the key themes, arguments, and contributions of Ball's work, providing an assessment of its significance within the realm of international relations and foreign policy analysis.
At the heart of Ball's analysis lies a fundamental question: to what extent has the United States' unwavering support for Israel influenced its foreign policy decisions in the Middle East? The author's central argument posits that the U.S.-Israel relationship, characterized by what he terms a "passionate attachment," has often driven American foreign policy in ways that may not always align with broader national interests. Ball contends that this attachment has not only shaped the United States' Middle East policies but also had far-reaching implications for its global standing.
One of the book's notable strengths is the depth and breadth of research and firsthand experiences upon which it draws. George Ball, a seasoned diplomat and a key figure in various administrations, provides unique insights into the historical evolution of U.S.-Israel relations. Ball's firsthand knowledge and involvement in pivotal events contribute to the book's credibility and add a personal dimension to the analysis.
Ball's critique of the U.S. approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is especially incisive. He questions whether American policymakers, driven by their passionate attachment to Israel, have adequately pursued a balanced, two-state solution. The author's analysis of the consequences of this perceived bias for regional stability is both well-informed and thought-provoking.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that Ball's perspective, while valuable, is not without its critics. Some may argue that his critique leans towards a more revisionist view of U.S.-Israel relations, potentially overlooking the strategic considerations and security partnerships that underpin the special relationship.
“The Passionate Attachment" by George Ball offers a compelling and critical exploration of a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. Ball's work provokes readers to reflect on the complexities of the U.S.-Israel relationship, its influence on Middle East policy, and the potential implications for American interests and global geopolitics. It remains a seminal work in the field of international relations, providing valuable historical insights and perspectives for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in the intricacies of American foreign policy in the Middle East.
GPT
At the heart of Ball's analysis lies a fundamental question: to what extent has the United States' unwavering support for Israel influenced its foreign policy decisions in the Middle East? The author's central argument posits that the U.S.-Israel relationship, characterized by what he terms a "passionate attachment," has often driven American foreign policy in ways that may not always align with broader national interests. Ball contends that this attachment has not only shaped the United States' Middle East policies but also had far-reaching implications for its global standing.
One of the book's notable strengths is the depth and breadth of research and firsthand experiences upon which it draws. George Ball, a seasoned diplomat and a key figure in various administrations, provides unique insights into the historical evolution of U.S.-Israel relations. Ball's firsthand knowledge and involvement in pivotal events contribute to the book's credibility and add a personal dimension to the analysis.
Ball's critique of the U.S. approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is especially incisive. He questions whether American policymakers, driven by their passionate attachment to Israel, have adequately pursued a balanced, two-state solution. The author's analysis of the consequences of this perceived bias for regional stability is both well-informed and thought-provoking.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that Ball's perspective, while valuable, is not without its critics. Some may argue that his critique leans towards a more revisionist view of U.S.-Israel relations, potentially overlooking the strategic considerations and security partnerships that underpin the special relationship.
“The Passionate Attachment" by George Ball offers a compelling and critical exploration of a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. Ball's work provokes readers to reflect on the complexities of the U.S.-Israel relationship, its influence on Middle East policy, and the potential implications for American interests and global geopolitics. It remains a seminal work in the field of international relations, providing valuable historical insights and perspectives for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in the intricacies of American foreign policy in the Middle East.
GPT
November 24, 2011
The authors argue persuasively that America's unmitigated support for Israeli policies has been detrimental to both the United States and for Israel. They trace the history of the American-Israeli relationship, in particular noting the circumstances that have brought the countries closer together. It's a harsh look at continuing American policies, but done from a detached perspective; this is not an anti-Israel or anti-zionist diatribe; this is a couple policy wonks arguing that current American foreign policies are counter-productive in this particular case.
April 1, 2021
Not sure what to make of this one.
For context, George W. Ball was the only major dissenter in the Kennedy and Johnson administrations, where he served in various diplomatic positions, to the Vietnam War. Here, Ball uses his diplomatic experience as well as intimate familiarity with Washington politics and diplomacy to make the case against the pro-Israeli bias in American policy making.
Ball makes his case in the first half of the book by surveying the history of Israel and its conflicts with its Arab neighbors in relation to the involvement of the United States, positing that the Eisenhower administration was the last presidency to effectively, yet flawed, treat Israel as a normal diplomatic partner rather than a "passionate attachment" as warned against by George Washington. This is the strongest section of the book.
However, Ball does not commit to a fully anti-imperialist analysis of the situation. Arabs "tend towards military strongmen" because of their "inexperience with democracy," and it is for the same reason that Likud's support rose after the influx of "Soviet Jews" migrating to Israel. There are human rights issues, Ball argues, but the real cost is to the American economy being forced to artificially maintain the Israeli standard of living alongside Labor Zionist "socialism." There is no real analysis of settler-colonialism, or the illegitimacy of the Zionist claim, and this is the key to the whole State of Israel.
For context, George W. Ball was the only major dissenter in the Kennedy and Johnson administrations, where he served in various diplomatic positions, to the Vietnam War. Here, Ball uses his diplomatic experience as well as intimate familiarity with Washington politics and diplomacy to make the case against the pro-Israeli bias in American policy making.
Ball makes his case in the first half of the book by surveying the history of Israel and its conflicts with its Arab neighbors in relation to the involvement of the United States, positing that the Eisenhower administration was the last presidency to effectively, yet flawed, treat Israel as a normal diplomatic partner rather than a "passionate attachment" as warned against by George Washington. This is the strongest section of the book.
However, Ball does not commit to a fully anti-imperialist analysis of the situation. Arabs "tend towards military strongmen" because of their "inexperience with democracy," and it is for the same reason that Likud's support rose after the influx of "Soviet Jews" migrating to Israel. There are human rights issues, Ball argues, but the real cost is to the American economy being forced to artificially maintain the Israeli standard of living alongside Labor Zionist "socialism." There is no real analysis of settler-colonialism, or the illegitimacy of the Zionist claim, and this is the key to the whole State of Israel.
April 30, 2019
While written in 1992 this book still offers great insight into U. S. and Israel relations. It is interesting to read how presidential elections are impacted by the “need” for the the Jewish vote. Also the explanation of Zionism is quite thorough and clear. Is there still a “strategic value” in Israel today?
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews