The Two-State Dilemma: A Game Theory Perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

by Michael Dan

Overview

Can game theory illuminate the options in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict? Michael Dan, a former neurosurgeon, examines the most intractable conflict in the world through the lens of game theory, a mathematical approach to decision-making. The Zionist dream, to create a Jewish state with a Jewish majority in the whole of Palestine, is no longer tenable. But neither is two states for two peoples. What options are left, then? The only thing that's for certain is that both sides must find a way to live together. The aim of this book is to give the knowledgeable reader of Israeli–Palestinian affairs a fresh way to look at an old and seemingly intractable conflict.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781988025568
Publisher:	Barlow Publishing
Publication date:	04/30/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	280
File size:	6 MB

About the Author

Michael Dan is a committed philanthropist and a model of social responsibility and generosity. A former neurosurgeon, he has funded organizations that assist marginalized people in Toronto and helped to create the first privately endowed research institute in the world geared to the unique health needs of Aboriginal people. His commitment to peace in the Middle East is exemplified by his support for The University of Haifa, the Michael and Amira Dan Professorship in Global Health at The University of Toronto, and the St. John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem.

Table of Contents

Preface A New Game xi

Introduction Why Now? 1

Chapter 1 The Game Theory Perspective 11

Chapter 2 Three Zionist Dilemmas 25

Chapter 3 An Unfinished Country 45

Chapter 4 The Epistemology of Identity 77

Chapter 5 Not Quite Normal 105

Chapter 6 An Iterated Game of Chicken 137

Chapter 7 A Small House 161

Chapter 8 The Demographic Deadlock 185

Chapter 9 An Ersatz Peace 213

Afterword No Regrets 233

Appendix Demographic Calculations, Including Projections 237

Acknowledgements 243

Notes 247

Bibliography 255

Index 258

Editorial Reviews

09/07/2020

Dan, a senior fellow at York University’s Glendon School of Public and International Affairs, debuts with a stimulating exploration of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from the perspective of game theory. He concisely summarizes a century of clashes between Jews seeking to establish a Jewish state and the Arabs living there, making the history accessible even for readers not familiar with the details. Dan examines the past and potential future using questions game theory poses—notably “Who are the players? What game(s) are they playing? And what does co-operation or winning look like?”—and explains proposals for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a Prisoner’s Dilemma. The potential outcomes are outlined as “a one-state solution, two-state solution, a Zionist state, and an Arab state.” Dan then questions the viability of a Jewish state given demographic realities—such as the birthrate of Palestinians living on the West Bank—and concludes that there are only two likely outcome: “either an Arab state, or a state where Jews and Palestinians learn to set aside their differences and pursue a program of reconciliation and rational co-operation,” which may seem impossible or unwelcome to many. Nonetheless, Dan’s logical assessment makes a strong argument against the feasibility of two-state solutions. (Self-published)

Publishers Weekly

"This is an even handed, compassionate, logical, and clearly explained must-read for those interested and invested in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict." —Booklife Reviews

From the Publisher