In a detailed historical reconstruction of the origins of Jewish political thought, the book traces the development of Zionist ideology in the years prior to Israel's independence. The analysis demonstrates how the political, social and economic foundations of the future state were negotiated in this period and how these ideologies have endured and are reflected in present-day Israeli diplomacy and in the fragmentary nature of its politics. The book will become a standard reference for students of Zionist and Israeli politics and for those interested in the Middle East generally.