Publication Details
Abstract
This study examines the role of the United States in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, focusing on the Roadmap for Peace, and analyzes the impact of U.S. involvement in shaping the peace process. The problem of the study lies in the persistent failure of peace efforts, despite numerous initiatives, due to power imbalances and geopolitical interests. The aim of the study was to appraise the effectiveness of the U.S.-led Roadmap for Peace and to explore how Realism, as a theoretical framework, can explain the persistent deadlock in the peace process. The theoretical framework adopted was Realism, which emphasizes national self-interest, security concerns, and power dynamics in shaping international relations. This approach was used to assess how U.S. foreign policy, driven by strategic interests, influenced the peace process. The study employed a qualitative methodology, analyzing key peace agreements, historical documents, and scholarly sources related to U.S. mediation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The findings revealed that the U.S. role in the peace process, especially its support for Israel and alignment with its national interests, exacerbated the power asymmetry between Israel and Palestine. Core issues such as Jerusalem’s status, refugee rights, and settlement expansion remained unresolved, with the U.S. focusing on strategic objectives over equitable peacebuilding. The conclusion emphasized that Realism explains the U.S.’s failure to facilitate a fair peace process, prioritizing power and security over impartiality and fairness. Based on the above, the study recommended among other things that; address power imbalances by involving multilateral actors in negotiations; internationalize Jerusalem’s status to reduce tensions and foster shared ownership and ensure a settlement freeze and uphold Palestinian refugee rights as critical elements of peace negotiations.