Book Review: Browning, C. S., Joenniemi, P., & Steele, B. J. (2021). U.S. vicarious identity with Israel, 1967–2020. In Vicarious identity in international relations: Self, security, and status on the global stage. Oxford Academic.

Browning, C. S., Joenniemi, P., & Steele, B. J. (2021). U.S. vicarious identity with Israel, 1967–2020. In Vicarious identity in international relations: Self, security, and status on the global stage. Oxford Academic.

Abstract

The chapter "US Vicarious Identity with Israel" in Vicarious Identity in International Relations by Browning, Joenniemi, and Steele delves into the symbolic relationship between the United States and Israel, particularly following the 1967 Six-Day War. It examines how Israel became a proxy for American identity, reflecting US aspirations of military strength and moral authority, especially during periods of ontological insecurity like the Vietnam War. Using Lacanian psychoanalytic theory, the authors argue that this vicarious identification fulfills a psychological "lack" in the American self-image, influencing US foreign policy and public perception over generations.

The chapter's interdisciplinary approach, blending international relations, political psychology, and cultural studies offers a nuanced critique of traditional realist interpretations by highlighting cultural and psychological dimensions behind the US-Israel alliance. However, while the analysis is robust, the chapter could expand on diverse American perspectives and explore the geopolitical implications of this identification more critically. This work is a vital resource for scholars of international relations and Middle Eastern studies, offering fresh insights into the interplay between identity, security, and global politics.