• Explains one of the most publicized, but little understood, modern conflicts
• Chapters are arranged by successive decades - to highlight the complex nature of the conflict over time
• Gets to the heart of the problem - a struggle between two nations over land
• Examines the historical background to the problem through to the present day
• Clearly explains why partition has been such a problem and what is being done to try and resolve it
• Part of the bestselling Very Short Introductions series

The conflict between Palestine and Israel is one of the most highly publicized and bitter struggles in history. In this accessible and stimulating Very Short Introduction, Martin Bunton clearly explains the history of the problem, reducing it to its very essence - a modern territorial contest between two nations and one geographical territory.

Adopting a fresh and original approach, each section covers a twenty-year span, to highlight the historical complexity of the conflict throughout successive decades. Each chapter starts with an examination of the relationships among people and events that marked particular years as historical moments in the evolution of the conflict, including the 1897 Basle Congress; the 1917 Balfour Declaration and British occupation of Palestine; and the 1947 UN Partition Plan and the war for Palestine.

Providing a clear and fair exploration of the main issues, Bunton explores not only the historical basis of the conflict, but also looks at how and why partition has been so difficult and how efforts to restore peace continue today.