@article{article_1772685, title={The Last Crusade and The First Zionists: Religion, Empire, and The Making of Modern Palestine}, journal={Bulletin of Palestine Studies}, pages={1–28}, year={2025}, DOI={10.34230/fiad.1772685}, url={https://izlik.org/JA55BW33BU}, author={Mazza, Roberto}, keywords={Christian Zionism, British Empire, Balfour Declaration, religious networks, Palestine}, abstract={This article examines the neglected religious dimensions of British imperial policy toward Palestineduring World War One, arguing that the relationship between the Balfour Declaration and the Britishcapture of Jerusalem represents far more than mere chronological coincidence. Rather than viewingpolicy through purely strategic lenses, this study demonstrates how Christian Zionism BritishIsraelism, and crusading rhetoric provided essential frameworks for key figures like David LloydGeorge and Arthur Balfour. Transnational evangelical networks spanning Britain and Americainfluenced these decisions, functioning as both intelligence-gathering organizations and sources ofpolitical support. These networks helped create a “Biblical Palestine”—an imaginary landscapesuperimposed upon the actual territory—where religious conviction shaped imperial calculations.However, attempts to combine multiple religious frameworks created fundamental contradictions;specifically, Christian Zionist support for Jewish restoration often conflicted with crusading imageryemphasizing Christian dominance. The gap between these evangelical expectations and practicalgovernance realities contributed to ongoing tensions that escalated conflict between Jewish and Arabpopulations, ultimately undermining British authority throughout the mandate period. The failureof British policy cannot be fully understood without recognizing how religious motivations shapedinitial commitments that proved impossible to fulfill. Furthermore, the article posits that thesereligious networks survived imperial decline, transforming into contemporary movements thatcontinue influencing Middle Eastern politics, particularly regarding American evangelical supportfor Israel. Ultimately, this examination illustrates both the power and the limitations of religiousconviction as a foundation for political action in international relations and the complex challengesof governing diverse societies in an interconnected world.}, number={18}