Israel's Foreign Policy Toward Asia

Author

Eli Lebto, The Graduate Center, City University of New YorkFollow

Date of Degree

6-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.

Program

Political Science

Advisor

Jacqueline Braveboy-Wagner

Subject Categories

Comparative Politics | International Relations | Political Science

Abstract

In this paper, I advance the argument that a neoclassical framework of international relations, with its emphasis on both systemic and domestic factors, serves as a credible lens to understand the relationship between Israel and three important Asian states: the established power Japan and the two very important rising powers, China and India. To test this hypothesis, I analyze Israel’s relationship with these three countries during two key periods in Israel’s history: the Cold War period, including the early years of Israel’s establishment in 1948 and the Arab-Israeli wars of 1967 and 1973; and the post-Cold War period beginning in 1992 after which many more states established relations with Israel. I end my analysis of the latter period by analyzing relations with Japan, China, and India in the twenty-first century. Moreover, my findings indicate that although neoclassical realism serves as a credible framework to understand relations between Israel and Asia, it is a more effective explanation for China and India than for Japan and for some periods more than others. Lastly, I argue that neoclassical realism is not the only relevant approach that can be employed: constructivism, with its focus on identity factors, and foreign policy analysis, with its focus primarily on domestic sources, are also useful.

Recommended Citation

Lebto, Eli, "Israel's Foreign Policy Toward Asia" (2024). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/5750