Could Israeli society be a viable template for other nations for the future?
By: Bev Goldman
“Israeli technology is quietly becoming indispensable across the Middle East, even in countries that publicly denounce Israel.”
Few nations have navigated as many existential challenges as Israel. In almost 76 years, it has transformed from a fledgling state, surrounded by hostility, into a global powerhouse of innovation, resilience, and cultural dynamism. Its unique social structure, technological prowess, and security-driven policies have placed Israel among the world’s most highly developed and successful first world countries.
“Israel is a country of struggles and successes, of grief and joy, of unity and dissension.”
But Israel’s strengths, including its technological leadership, military innovation, and the strength of its partially collective bond, specifically as a result of the harrowing effects of the 7 October nightmare that has engulfed its citizens for more than 17 months, have come at a high price: political divisions, ongoing concerns for the future of the country’s security, and ever-increasing tensions with its Palestinian and Lebanese/Hezbollah neighbours. Israel is a country of struggles and successes, of grief and joy, of unity and dissension.
Israel is home to a diverse population: Jews of varying ethnic backgrounds, Arab citizens, Druze, Christians, and others. This diversity presents both strengths and challenges. On one hand, Israel has demonstrated remarkable social resilience, absorbing waves of immigrants from the former Soviet Union, Ethiopia, and beyond. These communities have contributed to a rich cultural and intellectual tapestry. Yet at the same time, Israel grapples with deep social divides. Political polarisation is intense, and tensions between secular and religious communities often lead to policy conflicts. Additionally, the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains a source of strife and international controversy.
Despite these challenges, though, Israel has managed to build a functional, if imperfect, democracy, “maintaining democratic institutions in a volatile region which offers insights for other multi-ethnic societies seeking stability”. Few countries face the security challenges that Israel encounters on a daily basis. Surrounded by potential threats, Israel has developed one of the most sophisticated defence mechanisms in the world. A prime example of Israeli ingenuity in national security is the Iron Dome missile defence system, renowned for its ability to intercept incoming rockets. In addition, there is David’s Sling, a medium-range missile defence system designed to intercept ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and enemy aircraft; the Arrow Missile Defence System which intercepts long-range ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere, forming Israel’s top-tier missile defence layer; the Ofek Reconnaissance Spy Satellites which provide real-time intelligence, enhancing Israel’s surveillance and early warning capabilities; and many others. Then, of course, there is compulsory military service in the IDF which instils discipline, resilience, and a sense of collective responsibility, leading to strong civilian-military cooperation, where security concerns are deeply understood by the general public. This concept of national service could be a model for other countries facing similar threats.
“This military-to-civilian pipeline has created an entrepreneurial culture that fosters cutting-edge technological advancements.”
