Non-distributive Survival Strategy

Abstract

Zimmermann argues that, by and large, the survival strategies of Israeli leaders were non-distributive and enabled them to secure large and speedy gains in state developmental capacity—including large and diversified revenues, a professional military and civil service, and dedicated investment in infrastructure and innovation. However, she demonstrates that non-distribution was not a structural or cultural feature of Israeli politics, highlighting its initial roots in Mandate-era politics. She also draws attention to how the weakening of Mapai/Labor/Alignment and the subsequent rise of the Likud party resulted in moderately distributive survival strategies that harmed state developmental capacity and ultimately led to Israel’s 1984–1985 economic crisis.