Identity Politics and National Cohesion: Insights from Modern Israel

This course delves into the challenges to social and political cohesion in modern Israeli society, with a focus on the impact of identity politics. Highlighted by President Reuven Rivlin in his June 2015 Herzliya Conference speech, the evolving demographic makeup of Israel raises concerns about potential economic and social crises that could threaten the future of the Jewish state, ushering in a “new Israeli order.” The course examines the characteristics, political dynamics, and social transformations of various groups within Israel, exploring how these changes challenge the fabric of Israeli society. As a nation rooted in the vision of gathering Jewish exiles, Israel has always been a diverse society, rich in cultural influences and marked by competing political agendas — both internally and with its non-Jewish minorities. However, identity politics and collective demands have disrupted the traditional “melting pot,” exposing deep-seated divisions. These challenges are not unique to Israel; they reflect broader global trends where identity politics strain social and political cohesion, a phenomenon playing out in various nations worldwide. Through texts, video clips, and guided discussions, students will gain a nuanced understanding of the socio-political challenges posed by identity politics and explore the potential for integration and compromise among the “new tribes” that shape modern Israeli society.