The State of Israel
Is Israel's democracy really threatened?
Online course
Israel is one of the great national success stories of the last 75 years. Against the odds, the country has achieved what some would say is an economic miracle. “Start-up nation” is sometimes used to describe the country’s economic and innovation successes. Of course, the country has also prevailed against hostility from neighbours, although in the view of some neighbours, Israel is the hostile party.
Unfortunately, in the last three decades, despite economic success, things have not developed well for Israel. The country has taken a hard-right turn, resulting in huge inequality. The inability to achieve a settlement with the Palestinians, and the expansion of West Bank settlements have severely hurt the country’s reputation.
Now Israel is internally divided. Apart from the judicial reforms, which may or may not get implemented as originally proposed, the country is no longer the cohesive society it once was. There are wildly different visions for the country and the debate is rancorous. Before Netanyahu pulled back from implementing the "reforms" now, there was serious talk of civil war. Maybe an exaggeration, but still indicative of severe discord.
Of course, there is still lots to admire about Israel and the country has enormous strengths. In this course we will look at Israel from various perspectives: political, economic, social, security, geopolitical and the prospects for the future.
Date and Time: Thursdays April 27 through May 18, 2-4PM
Location: Online
Moderator: John Simke
Cost: $24
Enrolment. See enrolment terms here. Use the link below to enrol
Unfortunately, in the last three decades, despite economic success, things have not developed well for Israel. The country has taken a hard-right turn, resulting in huge inequality. The inability to achieve a settlement with the Palestinians, and the expansion of West Bank settlements have severely hurt the country’s reputation.
Now Israel is internally divided. Apart from the judicial reforms, which may or may not get implemented as originally proposed, the country is no longer the cohesive society it once was. There are wildly different visions for the country and the debate is rancorous. Before Netanyahu pulled back from implementing the "reforms" now, there was serious talk of civil war. Maybe an exaggeration, but still indicative of severe discord.
Of course, there is still lots to admire about Israel and the country has enormous strengths. In this course we will look at Israel from various perspectives: political, economic, social, security, geopolitical and the prospects for the future.
Date and Time: Thursdays April 27 through May 18, 2-4PM
Location: Online
Moderator: John Simke
Cost: $24
Enrolment. See enrolment terms here. Use the link below to enrol