Professionals against populism : the Peres government and democracy /

The author, a political scientist in Israel who has written widely on the country's politics and political history, offers a very useful analysis of what it really takes to sustain a democracy as well as what constitutes democracy's frequent nemesis. Ironically, when the book was written few expected Shimon Peres to be prime minister again. As he was in his first term (1984-86), Peres is unpopular, challenged by "public square demagoguery," and oversees an economy that is experiencing substantial change. In six cogently written chapters, Keren illustrates how during his first term Peres emphasized democratic government characterized by education, technical expertise, and moderation, and argued he would negotiate with "moderate Palestinian leaders." This excellent treatment of Peres's political style could well reveal how his second term will guide Israel economically and politically. The study is an excellent companion to Keren's earlier work, Ben-Gurion and the Intellectuals: Power, Knowledge and Charisma (1983). Endnotes and appendixes on the 1984-86 government are included. Graduate; faculty. M. Slann; Clemson University