Anglo-American Relations in Palestine 1919-1925: An Experiment in Realpolitik

Abstract

This article examines Anglo-American relations in Palestine between 1919 and 1925, focusing on the interaction between American idealism and British pragmatism. It argues that the United States approached the region cautiously, influenced by a combination of idealism, economic interests, and isolationist tendencies. Support for the Balfour Declaration was framed as a commitment to self-determination rather than a direct endorsement of Zionist objectives. This ambiguity resulted in divided policy positions within the U.S. administration, with figures such as Robert Lansing opposing deeper involvement. The study highlights the role of American organizations, including the YMCA and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, in shaping policy through religious, economic, and strategic interests. It demonstrates that both nations adopted pragmatic strategies in managing the political future of Palestine amid competing national priorities.

(The abstract and keywords were prepared retrospectively for indexing purposes using AI-assisted tools and editorial review, based on the original article. They did not appear in the original publication.)