Book · 2010 · History
The Unspoken Alliance
Israel's Secret Relationship with Apartheid South Africa
Why people recommend it
The Unspoken Alliance: Israel's Secret Relationship with Apartheid South Africa by Sasha Polakow-Suransky is a historical investigation into the clandestine military, intelligence, and economic ties between the two nations during the twentieth century. On an episode of The Ezra Klein Show titled Ta-Nehisi Coates on Israel: ‘I Felt Lied To.’, which aired on October 11, 2024, guest Ta-Nehisi Coates discussed the title as part of the closing recommendation segment. Coates noted that the historical study hit him very hard and left a lasting impression on his understanding of international geopolitics. He characterized the text as a tough book to read due to the troubling nature of the alliances and historical maneuvers it uncovered. By bringing these hidden diplomatic and military partnerships to light, Polakow-Suransky provides vital context regarding global power dynamics, foreign policy decisions, and the complexities of state survival during the Cold War era, earning praise from commentators grappling with difficult histories.
Who recommended it
- Ta-Nehisi Coates Recommended
Ta-Nehisi Coates — 1 mention
“and then this this this one hit me hard uh the unspoken Alliance uh Israel's secret relationship with South Africa uh by Sasha POA sanski boy that was a tough book”