Clinton’s democratic values and inconsistent foreign policy in the administration of Israel-Palestine conflict

Oleh :
Nofrida Aryani Puspitasari - C0395053 - Fak. Sastra dan Seni Rupa

ABSTRACT This thesis is conducted with the purpose of describing Clinton’s presidency, which was based on the conception of democracy as the inspiration. The researcher focuses on the implementation of democratic values in his foreign policy, especially in resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict. Democracy is a value which comes from Declaration of Independent; the basic standard of policy in America. Therefore, Clinton’s Administration between 1992 to 2000 was a special one by which the strong desire of Clinton to promote this democracy conception completed with its human rights around the world. He tried to implement democratic values in his both domestic and foreign policy including an effort to solve Israel-Palestine conflict. Therefore, the discussion of the individual Bill Clinton and American democratic values are the theoretical base to guide in studying the material. This thesis is qualitative research that employs close reading of taking Clinton’s remarks and official document in his Administration during 1992-2000, as the primary data. It uses interdisciplinary approach to examine how the American experience in the past can give contributions to the next period of progress. Besides, this approach is used to find the holistic aspects of the research. Therefore, the researcher uses historical approach to get the real data of American conception of democracy and foreign policy. It is added by sociopolitical approach which is useful to see Clinton’s policy considered as representing the US foreign policy in the Israel-Palestine conflict. It is also to know the American political situation in a certain era. Psychological approach is also integrated with the study. It is used to understand Clinton’s psychological life which gave strong influence to his policy during his administration. Clinton Administration tried to implement the principles such as freedom, liberty, equality, and justice especially as the mediator of Israel-Palestine conflict. Apparently, , American-Israel relationship which is deeply rooted in American history becomes one of reasons of Clinton’s inconsistency. It is signed by the strong influence of Israel in American government with the Israel lobbying which relied on gratitude conception and the historical similarity. It is supported by Clinton’s psychological condition with his gloomy experience in his childhood. Having no real father since sixth months in her mother’s womb was the starting point of the bitterness. He had to accept his separation with his mother by living with his grandparents who implanted human similarity values. Alcoholism family and the crude stepfather who always drank, gambled and bit his beloved mother added to his bitter memory. Apparently, the experience formed his soul as an emotionalism, emphatic and unstable person. Finally, it causes the inconsistency in the implementation of American democratic values, specially in solving Israel – Palestine conflict. This study hopefully, will encourage the body knowledge of American Study discipline and it can serve as a precious introductory for further research on the other aspects of Clinton and democratic values. This study is also planned for providing some knowledge concerning one alternative of Clinton presidency.