World Affairs — Book Notes

World Affairs¶

The author opens with the brilliance of modern Israel: a nation where military service is universal, the economy shines, and ties to the White House run deep. Countless Jewish descendants occupy leading roles on the global stage — they radiate the aura of a chosen people.

But behind that brilliance lies a mottled history of human betrayal. Internal conflict and encircling enemies have never ceased for the Jewish people, and the memory of near-genocide is carved indelibly into every soul.

The author traces the long arc of Jewish history, beginning with the "Chosen People" being scattered across the earth. Through commercial wisdom, the habit of accumulating wealth, and the courage to take risks, generation after generation forged their way — haltingly — through the mud of probability and danger, finding footholds along the way. Yet the journey was not without grave mistakes.

Take the Six-Day War: the fruits of victory came not only from the generous financial backing that American Jews had built over decades, but also from the founding generation's resolute struggle to win international recognition and support. Golda Meir's impassioned leadership linked the fate of an entire people. Even so, Israel's founding was unacceptable to the Arab world, which waited and watched for the moment to strike back.

That complacency was paid for dearly in the Yom Kippur War. Saudi Arabia employed a "cry wolf" tactic — gradually lulling Israel into lowering its guard — leading to the early collapse of defensive lines. Israel's rapid adaptability ultimately reversed the tide. Hamas's recent attack replicated the same pattern: first, lullaby-induced negligence, then swift counterattack.

Through the history of Israel and the Jewish people, the author aims to chart a course of reference for Taiwan. Jewish history is soaked in blood and tears, but the mistakes made along the way have become the most authentic case studies for Taiwanese people to study and heed.