Kyle J Anderson writes:

How do we explain this alliance between the seemingly antisemitic Maga movement and Israel? Analysts usually point to two major factors. First is the power and influence of pro-Israel lobbying groups, donors, media figures and political operatives, famously analysed by political scientists John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt.

Second is the role of Christian Zionists in the Maga movement, including prominent figures like the current American ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee.

Huckabee has explicitly stated that his pro-Israel approach is rooted in his belief that the rapture is imminent and that Israel will be the site of unfolding Biblical prophecy during the end of days.

While these factors both play an important role in shaping the Maga-Israel alliance, neither explains the deep intensity of the Trump-era American right’s attachment to Israel.

I believe a more foundational impulse is at work, one tied not only to theology or lobbying power, but to historical memory. This impulse lies at the intersection of multiple programmes currently underway – all intent on rehabilitating colonialism’s reputation.

These include suppression of teaching and speaking about the colonial past, active justification of colonialism’s historical crimes, efforts to undermine recognised international humanitarian law and struggles against active decolonial movements.

The Maga-Israel alliance should be understood as part of a broader effort to suppress the memory of colonialism’s atrocities and to create a sanitised narrative of colonial history in order to resuscitate colonialism in the present. [Continue reading…]