Zealous Realism: Comments on Mearsheimer and Walt

Abstract

This article provides a detailed empirical and analytic critique of the Mearsheimer and Walt article. It examines the claim that U.S. Middle East policy is at variance with U.S. national interest and tries to understand how that claim jibes with the principles of the Realist School of international relations theory to which the authors belong. It then examines the explanation offered for this misguided policy, the political strength of the Israel Lobby. It looks at their account of the structure and dynamics of the Israel Lobby. Then it evaluates how well that account fits the realities of modern interest group composition and behavior, and the degree to which that account provides an adequate explanation of U.S. Middle East policy.

Recommended Citation

Landy, Marc (2006) "Zealous Realism: Comments on Mearsheimer and Walt," The Forum: Vol. 4 : Iss. 1, Article 6.
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/forum/vol4/iss1/art6