Introducing Maximalism: Rethinking Radical Ideological Opposition in Israel and Palestine

Abstract

This article looks at the ideological extremisms guiding radical movements in Israel and Palestine. The ideological frameworks through which political actors in the conflict have been examined look at them individually or by "camp" (i.e. the Israeli camp and the Palestinian camp). This article uses the category of 'maximalism' to argue that extremist ideas on both sides feed off each other and should therefore be studied together. Maximalism can be defined as an ideology itself, i.e. a system of ideas that influence the perception and practices of actors, particularly when related to violence to achieve a goal. This ideational and practical whole, associated with terrorism and revolution, needs to be compared to understand the dynamics that emerge.