New Books in Middle Eastern Studies Elizabeth E. Imber, "Uncertain Empire: Jews, Nationalism, and the Fate of British Imperialism" (Stanford UP, 2025)
Sep 26, 2025
Elizabeth Imber, an Associate Professor of History at Clark University and author of *Uncertain Empire*, discusses the complex dynamics of Jewish politics within the British Empire from 1917 to 1948. She explores how Jews worldwide navigated British rule, revealing divergent views on Zionism and the quest for independence. Imber highlights key figures like Chaim Arlosoroff and the Bentwiches, delves into Jewish-Indian connections, and examines the impact of the 1929 riots on Zionist strategies. Her insights reveal the intricate interplay of empire, nationalism, and identity.
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Pragmatic Politics Over Fixed Ideologies
- Jewish actors across the empire simultaneously entertained visions of dominion status and alliances with anti-colonial movements.
- This produced pragmatic, sometimes paradoxical strategies rather than fixed ideological positions.
The Bentwiches' Divergent Paths
- Norman and Helen Bentwich lived in Palestine and held divergent views: Norman favored British models and binationalism while Helen remained non-Zionist.
- Helen's exclusion from mandatory society pushed her toward closer tactical alignment with Zionist efforts after 1929.
Dominionization As A Viable Option
- Chaim Arlosoroff saw Britain and the dominion model as pragmatic options for Palestinian autonomy and Jewish security.
- He argued dominion status could offer economic and defense advantages that small independent states lacked.
