May 12, 2021
CONTACT: Kait Howard
Cell: 443-301-7993
kehoward@jhu.edu jhunews@jhu.edu
Steven R. David
With fighting between Palestinian militants and the Israeli military escalating, a Johns Hopkins political scientist can offer perspective on the causes of the most recent violence and the potential for full-fledged war.
Steven R. David is a professor of political science at the Krieger School of Arts & Sciences. He says: “Both sides bear some responsibility for the current conflict. The Israeli government has instituted needlessly provocative moves to constrain Palestinian movements and remove Palestinians from sensitive areas such as East Jerusalem. On the other hand, no sovereign nation, including Israel, can be expected to tolerate hundreds of rocket attacks without a major response.”
“Complicating matters is the domestic political crisis in Israel and among the Palestinians.”
David can also discuss possible U.S. responses to the violence. “The U.S. can play a helpful role in tamping down the conflict, but it will be tricky,” he says. “It will be interesting to see what the Biden administration does, especially given the less friendly attitude towards Israel displayed by many in the Democratic party.”
David’s work focuses on security studies, the politics of the developing world, American foreign policy, and turmoil in the Middle East. He is currently working on a book looking at how unreliable allies, rising hegemonic threats, and internal dissension threaten Israel’s continued existence as a democratic, Jewish state.
To reach an expert, please contact Kait Howard, kehoward@jhu.edu.
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