Short Course on Palestine Class 2: The 1947-1949 War and The Nakba

The course examines the history of Palestine since 1917, not as a “conflict” between equals but as a century-long process of settler-colonial dispossession and persistent Palestinian resistance. It traces the rise of Zionism, emerging from European anti-Semitism and supported by imperial powers, and how Israel has relied on backing from Britain, the United States, and other global powers to pursue wars and consolidate control. At the same time, it highlights the continuous efforts of the Palestinian people to resist occupation, preserve their homeland, and assert their rights in the face of ongoing oppression and violence. Date: October 7, 2025 Instructor: Rashid Khalidi