Book presentation
Book presentation: 'Radicalized Conservatism in Israel' by Mateo Cohen
- Date
- Tuesday 27 May 2025
- Time
- Location
-
Wijnhaven
Turfmarkt 99
2511 DP The Hague - Room
- 3.46
About the event
‘Radicalized Conservatism in Israel’ (Leiden University Press, 2025) presents a comprehensive examination of the ideology behind the Israeli government, explaining cardinal aspects of its ongoing war with the Palestinians, democratic decay, and regional and global realignment.
The year 2023 will be known as the most consequential year in Israel in generations. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict intensified into shocking levels of violence that overshadowed a constitutional overhaul introduced by Israel’s Likud-led government. It was formed after four inconclusive snap elections by longstanding prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, while he has been trialed for meddling in the media coverage of previous election cycles.
The Israeli government is widely known as the country's most right-wing government. But what is "right-wing" ideology, and how can it be researched in a meaningful way? How does the Israeli right's vision shape the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and how does it relate to the decay of democratic norms and institutions? What can we learn from the Israeli right about other right-wing movements in Europe and beyond?
Based on rigorous argument analysis of hundreds of documents representing the self-identification of Israel’s political elite, ‘Radicalized Conservatism in Israel’ exposes that its radical policies are based on the manipulation of center-right conservative values. The vulnerabilities of conservative ideology and its potential radicalization send a warning to polarized societies with conservative parties that are pressured by far-right movements.
Mateo will present his new book, followed by an open discussion with the audience. The event is co-organized by the Legitimacy and Justice Research Cluster, endorsed by the Centre for the Study of Political Parties and Representation, and moderated by the acting Scientific Director of the Institute of Political Science, Henriëtte van den Heuvel. Copies of the book will be available for sale before and after the event for a special discount.
How to attend
All are welcome to attend! For LU students + staff, no need to register. Please bring your LU card for entrance to the Wijnhaven building. If you are not affiliated with Leiden University, we welcome you to join by pre-registering until May 21st. Simply click here for the registration form.