Hands Across Asia

This book provides an ambitious, timely, and comprehensive treatment of Israel-Taiwan relations, presenting a valuable historical and political exploration of a niche but increasingly relevant bilateral relationship in contemporary international affairs. Lying on the opposite sides of Asia, both nations emerged as independent entities in 1948 and 1949. Both arose out of wars imposed on them by their neighbors who still refuse to accept their existence as independent, sovereign and democratic entities. Both nations’ people are heirs to ancient language, civilization and culture, both subject to stress learning and education, and - in the absence of raw materials - rely on their human capital. Both adopted a democratic way of life. Both created modern industry based on advanced science and technology. Both rely heavily on the United States for weapons and political support. Both are shunned by the United Nations. It is of little wonder that they sought to learn from the other's experiences. This book describes the relations between the two nations from 1948 to the present, stressing the mutual and the unique nature of each one of them. An original and much-needed contribution to the field of international relations and Asian-Middle Eastern diplomatic studies, it is relevant to scholars in international relations and political science, Asian and Middle Eastern history, religious studies, and for policymakers in the wider realm of geopolitics.