The Palestinian’s Venison: John Locke, Colonialism and Liberal Zionism

Author

Benjamin Geier, The Graduate Center, City University of New YorkFollow

Date of Degree

6-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.

Program

Political Science

Advisor

Leonard Feldman

Subject Categories

Political Theory

Keywords

Israel, John Locke, Zionism, Liberal Zionism, Colonialism, American Jews

Abstract

Liberal Zionism is one of the most potent political forces with the American Jewish diaspora, as it allows for Jews living in the U.S. to support a strong Israel while still holding to the liberal values that the majority of American Jews believe in when it comes to domestic politics. Liberal Zionism can seem like a contradiction, but it is rooted in the work of the father of liberalism himself, John Locke. This paper examines portions of Locke’s Second Treatise and compares it to the pillars of liberal Zionist thought, showing the parallels between Locke’s justification for European colonialism in the Americas with the liberal Zionist’s justification for the establishment and continuing maintenance of the State of Israel in Palestine.

Recommended Citation

Geier, Benjamin, "The Palestinian’s Venison: John Locke, Colonialism and Liberal Zionism" (2021). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/4395