Israel's global image is strongly if not entirely characterized by perceptions of the Middle East conflict. While the state does indeed play a central role in this multidimensional conflict, it is all too easily forgotten that Israel also has diverse political, economic and cultural ties with a broad range of the world's states and regions. There is a considerable contrast between Israel's significance in international politics, economy and culture on the one hand, and the public image shaped by media coverage on the other, which is emotionally charged and largely reduced to the Middle East conflict. This contrast necessitates an analysis both of Israel's relationships with the states and regions of the world as well as of those states' and regions' own stances towards, and perceptions of, Israel. The articles in this book thus highlight the complex networks of relationships and interests involving Israel in international politics.

Alfred Wittstock studied Theology, Political Science and History; teaching activities at several secondary schools; Co-founder of the German Study Program 'Study in Israel - One year at the Hebrew University Jerusalem'; Director of the Israel Study Unit at the Institute of Political Science at the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz. Research areas focus on state and society in Israel, role of religions in the Middle East Conflict, German-Israeli Relations.