Certainly, the grand achievement of a Jewish homeland in Israel continues to face considerable hostility in its very dangerous and unstable neighborhood.  Moreover, future demographics could preclude continuing to be both democratic and Jewish.

President Trump claims optimism on the pursuit of a resolution of the Arab-Israel conflict.  Iran’s rise is threatening, but also has occasioned a rearrangement of local actors.  This is a good time to ponder the future of America’s friend and critical regional ally.

We are fortunate to have Professor David share his thinking on the challenges to the future of Israel, a product of years of reflection and scholarly study, and his current primary intellectual focus.

He is a graduate of Union College, holds an M.A. from Stanford, and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in political science from Harvard. After a post-doctoral year at Harvard, he joined the Hopkins faculty in 1981.

His books and innumerable articles are on national security, American foreign policy, the importance of underdeveloped countries, the consequences of civil wars on other states, and now, existential threats to the future of Israel. 

At Johns Hopkins, he has received major teaching awards; and has held many senior administrative posts, including Director of the International Studies Program, Chair of the Political Science Department, Director of Jewish Studies, and Vice Dean for Undergraduate Education.

It is a great pleasure to warmly welcome the distinguished scholar, Professor Steven David to the Council.