An incisive guide to Israel's rich past, unpredictable present, and promising but undoubtedly turbulent futureln this new second edition, Asher Arian again takes a comprehensive look at the country's history, demography, economy, and sociology, and provides clear analysis of its ever-changing role in the Middle East. Informed by the latest opinion polls, survey data, and election results, Arian clarifies the major issues facing Israeli culture and politics, and explains the complexities of Israel's political institutions, political behaviour, and public policies. He chronicles the significant events in this dynamic nation's relatively brief experience of self-governance and introduces readers to the exceptional personalities who have defined its domestic landscape. *The first edition was published by Chatham House with the title, The Second Republic: Politics in Israel.
New and expanded coverage in the second edition includes the:* impact of immigration from the former Soviet Union* adoption and cancellation of the direct election of the prime minister* constitutional revolution occasioned by the expansion of judicial review* weakening of political parties* decentralization of the economy and emergence of a stronger capitalist ethic* political impact of the second intifada* the dominance of Ariel Sharon