118: Is Israel a settler-colonial state? A historian’s honest answer, with Alex Yakobson
Summary
Host Haviv asks Professor Alexander Jakobson to address whether Zionism was destined for violence, arguing against the settler colonial paradigm. They discuss the 1947 partition, noting Zionism’s request for international enforcement, and refute claims that displacement was inevitable. Jakobson compares the Nakba to other historical displacements, such as in Cyprus, emphasizing that mass movement is common in ethnic wars rather than unique genocide.
Topics discussed
Introduction of guest Prof. Leshem and episode topics
Critique of the settler colonial paradigm for Israel
History of 1947: UN Partition and Arab rejection
Zionism vs. Colonialism: Theoretical distinctions
Universal rights and the legitimacy of national self-determination
Comparing the Nakba to other historical displacements
Refugee crisis: Arab leadership's role in preventing return
Analogy with India-Pakistan partition and empire collapse
Jordanian annexation and the origins of Palestinian nationalism
Security risks, Iran, and the feasibility of a two-state solution
Listen ad-free on Castria