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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Liberia and Israel: The Evolution of a Relationship |
Author: | Gershoni, Yekutiel |
Year: | 1989 |
Periodical: | Liberian Studies Journal |
Volume: | 14 |
Issue: | 1 |
Pages: | 34-50 |
Language: | English |
Geographic terms: | Liberia Israel |
Subjects: | foreign policy Politics and Government international relations |
Abstract: | Two factors influenced the evolution of the relationship between the Republic of Liberia and the State of Israel. The practical, utilitarian factor on the one hand and the emotional factor of a sense of a common history and the similarity between the Back to Africa movement and Zionism on the other. The emotional factor played a changing role, although it was a constant factor, while the practical factor moved according to circumstances. President Tubman, who headed Liberia from 1944-1971, took a firm pro-Israeli stand. Against the background of the new spirit of liberty and independence spreading in Africa, the Tubman Government launched two programmes, the Unification Policy and the Open Door Policy. Israel contributed to both, which strengthened relations between the two countries. Under Tolbert (1971-1980), a gradual disassociation took place and relations between the two States deteriorated to the point where Liberia severed diplomatic ties in 1973. This process was a result of developments in the internal sphere in Liberia and of the growing erosion of Israel's position in the black continent. Nevertheless, even when the disengagement between the two States was most pronounced, the emotional factor still existed and prevented Liberia from crossing over completely to Israel's enemies. Only after the collapse of Tolbert's regime did practical considerations point toward Israel as a possible source of technical aid and political support. Notes. ref. |