Lexington Books The Path to Mass Rebellion: An Analysis of Two Intifadas

What incites an entire national group to violence? In The Path to Mass Rebellion Ruth Margolies Beitler investigates the form and structure of insurgent violence, taking the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as her case. Using historical, sociological, military, and policy data the author assembles a study of Israeli government action during the Six Day War and the First, and Second Intifadas that is unparalleled in its detail. Writing within the framework of carefully organized disciplinary knowledges Beitler produces a work that radically recontextualizes contemporary accounts of the conflict raging in the Middle East. Review Professor Beitler's searching analysis of the first Intifada provides lucid confirmation of the fact that, on both sides, force alone cannot bring peace. She applies her conclusions to the current "second" Intifada and offers to this blood-drenched region a powerful, practical voice for peace.--Timothy J. Lomperis, Saint Louis University, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Department of Political Science, Saint Louis University This timely book vividly describes the tragedy of the Israeli-Palestinian encounter and the action-reaction cycle of violence engulfing both sides. It is a revealing and sobering account of one government's attempt to deal effectively with insurgent forces. A penetrating and rare analysis of the strategies and tactics of counterinsurgency in the Middle East.--Stephanie G. Neuman, Columbia University About the Author Ruth Margolies Beitler is associate professor of social science at the United States Military Academy.