Fall Research Expo 2021

More than Just a Spy: Jonathan Pollard and the "Special Relationship"

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What can a convicted spy show about the decades-long relationship between a superpower and a tiny Middle Eastern country?

For my History Honors Thesis, I am exploring how the case of Jonathan Jay Pollard, an American Jew who spied on the United States for Israel, can be explained within the larger context of the "special relationship" between the two countries. On the flip side, the case also sheds light on certain aspects of the relationship that may otherwise go overlooked.

PRESENTED BY
Julie Sohnen
College Alumni Society Undergraduate Research Grant
College of Arts & Sciences 2022
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Advised By
Dr. Walter McDougall
wamcd@sas.upenn.edu
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PRESENTED BY
Julie Sohnen
College Alumni Society Undergraduate Research Grant
University Scholars
College of Arts & Sciences 2022
View Profile
Advised By
Dr. Walter McDougall
wamcd@sas.upenn.edu

Comments

Hi Julie, 

I really think that it's interesting how largely strategic conflict such as this one spilled over to involve the political and moral landscape as well. My question is what were some of the lasting impacts of this scandal within the military relationship between Israel and the US (if there were any)? 

Hi Julie,

This research touches on the especially fascinating (to me!) question of the priorities and values governing political decisions, particularly in relation to international partnerships. The mix of pragmatism, national self-interest, shared values, trust, and other hard and soft elements at play in this situation seems so hard to disentangle. I look forward to learning more as your work continues!

Dr. Muller