What does it mean for Israelis to be represented? How does it affect their support for democracy?
Political representation has been central in the design and workings of the Israeli political system since its very beginning. This representation is continually challenged by profound social and issue-based divisions and attendant collective identity dilemmas. Most recently, as Israelis went to the polls five times over the three and half years, they have witnessed the perils of representation firsthand.
The lecture will discuss representation in Israel’s political history, how Israelis perceive its perils, whether they feel well represented, on which dimensions, and by whom - the Knesset, the parties, or politicians. Finally, we will see how these perceptions of representation shape Israelis’ support for democracy and play into the polarization of Israeli politics.
Dr Liron Lavi is a lecturer (assistant professor) in the Department of Political Studies at Bar Ilan University. She holds a Ph.D. in political science from Tel Aviv University and has been a lecturer and research fellow at the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Lavi studies Israeli politics, elections, representation, and democracy in Israel and in a comparative perspective. Her research has been published in leading academic journals as well as Israeli and international media outlets.
In partnership with Bar-Ilan University.
