Lewis Honors College Capstone Collection

Year of Publication

2014

College

Arts and Sciences

Department/School/Program

Sociology

Degree Name

B.A. International Studies

First Capstone/Thesis Advisor

Dr. Carlos de la Torre

Abstract

One of the foremost geopolitical issues of the twenty first century, the conflict between Israel and Palestine has a complicated, ominous history, and limited signs of hope for resolution in the near future. Darkened by particularly bloody and significant events such as the 1948 Arab-Israel dispute, the 1967 Six Day War, and the continuously violent actions taken near the turn of the century, the conflict continues to detrimentally impact the security of the region, the socioeconomic livelihood of Palestinians, and the dwindling influence of international actors to curb recognizably illegal settlements and flagrant human rights violations. Particularly significant to the strenuous peace process is the first Intifada of 1987, which not only signified a unity of Palestinian voice and action, but also left a resounding impact on the sociopolitical mentality of both peoples. After the failure of the Oslo Accords, the second Intifada in 2000 further marred Israeli-Palestinian relations, and continues to serve as a reminder that the conflict has only augmented through the years, exacerbated by continued political and economic disparity. The efforts of this paper will be to attempt to understand the impacts of these protests and observe their interconnectedness, as well as their vast differences. Through a historical study of causes, tactics, and repercussions, I will attempt to draw conclusions to aid in the understanding of the complicated conflict between Israel and Palestine, and how further events such as these two revolts might be avoided.

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