A Forever War: Israel, Palestine and the Struggles for Statehood

by Colin Shindler

For over a century, the Middle East has been riven by conflict driven by Jewish and Arab nationalism. They came about at the same point in history with claims over the same territory. 

Their encounter has evolved into one of the most enduring and divisive geopolitical issues of the modern era – one defined by its complexity and its extremism and unfolding against a backdrop of 24-hour rolling news and social-media outrage. A Forever Israel, Palestine and the Struggles for Statehood reflects on the key How did this state of affairs come about? And will it be a forever war?

At a time when so much coverage is based on prejudice, fear and ignorance, Colin Shindler, Emeritus Professor of Israel Studies at SOAS, presents an authoritative view of this tragic conflict and dissects the current situation. Tracing the religious, political and historical motivations of both sides throughout many decades of turmoil and upheaval, A Forever War is the concise and non-partisan overview of the conflict that is so sorely needed. 

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 26, 2026

About the author

Colin Schindler is emeritus professor at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. He became the first professor of Israel Studies in the United Kingdom in 2008 and was the founding chairman of the European Association of Israeli Studies (EIAS) in 2009.

He is a lecturer and broadcaster and has written and edited a number of books including: A History of Modern Israel, Israel: A History in 100 Cartoons and, most recently, the Routledge Handbook on Zionism.