Ezra's Bookshelf

Israel and Civilization

by Josh Hammer

Foreign PolicyPolitics & Government

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Josh Hammer, a constitutional lawyer and opinion editor, argues that Israel's security represents more than a regional concern—it is essential to the preservation of Western civilization itself. He positions Israel as a bulwark against forces that would undermine liberal democratic values and the Judeo-Christian moral framework. The book traces the philosophical and theological roots of the U.S.-Israel relationship, arguing this alliance reflects shared civilizational commitments rather than mere strategic convenience. Hammer examines how Israel has served as a testing ground for counterterrorism strategies, military technologies, and approaches to asymmetric conflict that benefit the broader West. He makes the case for robust Israeli self-defense, critiquing what he sees as misguided international pressure for restraint. The argument extends beyond security to cultural and intellectual contributions, positioning Israel as a vital source of innovation and moral seriousness in an increasingly relativistic world. Hammer addresses counterarguments about human rights concerns and Palestinian claims, while maintaining that Israel's fundamental legitimacy is not negotiable. Readers seeking to understand the conservative case for the U.S.-Israel alliance will find a comprehensive philosophical and strategic argument here.

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