Abstract : This thesis examines Australia's current political response towards the Israel-Palestine peace process. It analyses the domestic factors that have the potential to shape Australia's foreign policy on the peace process. It also looks at what it will broadly mean for Australia should the current policy be maintained in relation to Australian values and commitment to issues of human rights and upholding international law. The domestic factors analysed in this thesis include the mass media, public opinion, lobby groups and business groups. An analysis of two Australian newspapers found that the Australian press coverage lacked depth and discussion of final status issues (the status of Jerusalem, Israeli settlements and Palestinian refugees). Relatively few articles address these issues within frames of their historical context and significance in international law. On the other hand, a national survey conducted shows that the majority of Australians identify with the Palestinian narrative, especially regarding final status issues. Moreover, Australians support their Government in adopting a policy on the conflict that is based on international law. This support, however, is not reflected in the Government's political response. The Australian Government supports the right for both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace but since 2004, contradicts this stance by voting against key UN resolutions concerning the rights of Palestinians. As the media and the Australian public have had a minimal impact on the Government's political response, this allows other domestic forces with more specific agendas to influence policy-makers. This study finds that the pro-Israel lobby and Jewish organisations in Australia play a significant role in persuading Australian politicians to adopt a political stance that reflects the Israeli narrative. Australian politicians appear more willing to acknowledge the importance of safeguarding Israel's security over restoring Palestinians rights. These findings have also been confirmed through extensive interviews conducted with former and present Australian diplomats and politicians from both major political parties.

Based on extensive research of Australian media coverage, public opinion, interest groups as well as in-depth interviews with current and former diplomats and politicians, this book provides a unique insight into the policy making process in regards to one of the world’s most enduring and volatile dilemmas. Making Australian Foreign Policy on Israel-Palestine is a must read for anyone concerned about how social forces influence policy making and the impact this has on Australia's response to world affairs. Islamic Studies Series - Volume 13

The U.S. Institute of Peace¿s (USIP) Project on Arab-Israeli Futures is a research effort designed to anticipate and assess obstacles and opportunities facing the peace process in the years ahead. Stepping back from the day-to-day ebb and flow of events on the ground, this project examines deeper, over-the-horizon trends that could foreclose future options or offer new openings for peace. The effort brings together American, Israeli, and Arab researchers. This 2006 report, analyzes survey data gathered from dozens of polls conducted over the past decade and identifies long-term trends in Palestinian public opinion and related policy implications. Table and graphs.

In 2003, after two years of negotiations, a group of prominent Israelis and Palestinians signed a model peace treaty. The document, popularly called the Geneva Initiative, contained detailed provisions resolving all outstanding issues between Israel and the Palestinian people, including drawing a border between Israel and Palestine, dividing Jerusalem, and determining the status of the Palestinian refugees. The negotiators presented this citizens' initiative to the Israeli and Palestinian peoples and urged them to accept it. One of the Israeli negotiators was Menachem Klein, a political scientist who has written extensively about the Jerusalem issue in the context of peace negotiations. Although the Geneva Initiative was not endorsed by the governments of either side, it became a fundamental term of reference for solving the Middle East conflict. In this firsthand account, Klein explains how and why these groups were able to achieve agreement. He directly addresses the formation of the Israeli and Palestinian teams, how they managed their negotiations, and their communications with both governments. He also discusses the role of third-party facilitators and the strategy behind marketing the Geneva Initiative to the public. A scholar and participant in the Geneva negotiations, Klein is able to provide both an inside perspective and an impartial analysis of the diplomatic efforts behind this historic compromise. He compares the negotiations to previous Israeli-Palestinian talks both formal and informal and the resolution of conflicts in South Africa and Algeria. Klein hopes that by treating the event as a case study we can learn a tremendous amount about the needs and approaches of both parties and the necessary shape peace must take between them.

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Table of contents

Regional Guide to International Conflict Management from 1945 to 2003 provides global, regional, and specific information on the over 350 international conflicts that have occurred since World War II. At the heart of the book are comprehensive regional sections, each of which includes: An essay providing regional context and highlighting the interrelation of countries and conflict in that area Summaries of each conflict in the region, arranged chronologically and covering history, circumstances, players, management, and outcome References for further research. Introductory chapters examine global patterns and trends in international conflict and how conflict is managed, including ethnic conflict and the expanded role of the United Nations. Tables, figures, maps, and a comprehensive index round out this valuable resource. Regional Guide to International Conflict and Management from 1945 to 2003 gives readers the tools and content necessary for understanding and analyzing international conflict in today′s world. Perfect for political science, comparative government/politics, international relations, and world history programs.