DUST TO DUST. Analysing the political use of archaeology in Israel

Abstract

In my thesis I try to get to grips with the ways in which archaeology is employed in the Israeli political arena. To better understand this interesting dynamic, I adopt a normative institutionalist approach which allows me to leave the dynamic's inherent complexity intact while at the same time enabling me to shed light on how politicized archaeology affects the ongoing Israeli - Palestinian conflict. The history of the archaeological investigation of the region is discussed and an analysis of how this development influenced the political narratives employed by certain Israeli politicians, and indeed continues to do so, is presented.

I come to the conclusion that archaeology in Israel and Palestine is far more than a 'lame duck'. Politicized Israeli archaeology affects the ongoing Israeli - Palestinian conflict in important ways and even seems to postpone its resolution.