April Reviews (2008)

Makovsky, Michael.  Churchill’s Promised Land: Zionism and Statecraft. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2007.  342 pages. $35.00 [ISBN 9780300116090]

In Churchill’s Promised Land: Zionism and Statecraft, Michael Makovsky examines Winston Churchill’s relationship with the AngloJewish population and attitude towards world Jewry as a whole through his enduring support for the Zionist movement in the first half of the twentieth century.  It is a subject that is essential to understanding Churchill’s politics and overall character, but to date has not been covered quite as thoroughly as this in a full-length book.  Makovsky makes this study possible by exploring the state of affairs and overall situation of the Jews during the years of Churchill’s youth and rise in politics right through the founding of the State of Israel in1948.

While the extreme proceedings of the Second World War and the Holocaust raised Zionism (the view of the Jewish people as a national entity and deserving of a homeland – the State of Israel) and its significance to new heights, Churchill’s involvement with the movement was kindled early in his political career and evolved into resolute support, described by Makovsky as being “historical, humanitarian, civilizational, strategic, personal, and romantic.”  The study of this theme is important not only to achieve a better understanding Churchill and his influence, but also the greater scope of twentieth century British interests and involvement in the Middle East and the existence of a Jewish State within that context. 

At a time when it seems that the life and times of Winston Churchill have been written about to near exhaustion, Makovsky has introduced a welcome and important contribution to this body of literature.  He demonstrates that although Churchill’s steadfast support for Zionism has been well documented over the years, much can learned through meticulous examination of its roots and evolution. He reveals how this support was reflected in his overall worldview and became an integral component of his fascinating career as a one of modern history’s most influential statesman. 

Michael Makovsky received his PhD in diplomatic history from Harvard University.  This book based in part on portions of his doctoral dissertation, Power and Civilization: Winston Churchill’s Worldview.  He currently works as the Director of the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington, D.C.

Todd J. Wiebe, Visiting Instruction and Reference Librarian,
Assistant Professor, Hope College / Van Wylen Library.