Off-campus WSU users: To download campus access dissertations, please use the following link to log into our proxy server with your WSU access ID and password, then click the "Off-campus Download" button below.

Non-WSU users: Please talk to your librarian about requesting this dissertation through interlibrary loan.

Access Type

WSU Access

Date of Award

1-1-2003

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Department

Political Science

First Advisor

Fred Pearson

Abstract

This doctoral dissertation identifies key aspects that have contributed to the formation and duration of Israeli coalition governments. Most importantly, it differentiates between two historical periods that have shaped Israeli coalition politics. Prior to the 1967 Arab-Israeli War and the election of the 7th Israeli Knesset in 1969, Israeli political parties formed consensual and inclusive coalitions in response to economic, immigration, and external pressures. Low levels of party competition and the dominance of Mapai in the Israeli Knessets further contributed to the formation of large alliances. Post-1969, following the gradual decline of Labor's electoral dominance, Israeli parties became further polarized and more competitive. External, economic, and immigration pressures, in addition to increased party competition, undermined consensual coalition formations. These factors were also relevant to the durability of alliances. Deteriorating economic, immigration, and external conditions as well as increased party competition have contributed to the shortfall of coalitions.

Off-campus Download

Share

COinS