USA foreign policy role in the identity formation of the Second-Generation of Palestinian Americans 2001-2018 رسالة ماجستير

Abstract

This study aimed to discuss the impact of USA foreign policy on the identity formation of the Second-Generation of Palestinian Americans after the events of September 11,

2001, until the date of the thesis.

This thesis covers the change in American foreign policy of the presidents of the United States during the same period —which are; President George W. Bush 2001 — 2008, President Barack Obama, 2008 — 2017, And finally the current US President Donald Trump, the forty-fifth president of the United States of America. He was elected on January 20, 2017. His discourse overshadowed his election campaign and the highly

controversial results, not only at the American level but also at the global level.

The study dealt with the roots of US policy toward the Palestinian cause from its inception until the date of the study. The period of adoption of the Zionist project by successive American administrations also dealt with the determinants of American foreign policy toward Israel and the Palestinian cause, especially after the September I1, attacks, And the impact of this policy on the Palestinian Americans, where the rise of racial discrimination against Arabs and Muslims in general and the Palestinian Americans in particular, because they are mostly Arabs and Muslims in addition to being

spearhead in resistance of the Zionist project in Palestine.

The study also highlighted the hostile environment of discrimination and exclusion in the formation of ethnic identity, transnational identities and the Second-Generation of hybrid cultural components, or what is scientifically known as the Third Culture. The study distinguishes between the concepts of citizenship and loyalty, discussed the dialectical relationship between the two concepts and their relationship to the country of origin and

the host country.

In addition to the mobility between the two places, the freedom of movement that the Second-Generation has overcome to connect with the homeland using modern technological means, in shortening space and time within the concept of zero friction,

which is promoted within the concept of globalization.

The study also concluded with a set of conclusions and recommendations, the most important of which is that Palestine, although the most important source in the identity formation of the Second-Generation of Palestinian Americans, who are a 100% proud of

being Palestinians, is that Palestine is not the only source of their identity.

One of the most important recommendations that can be emphasized is that the Second- Generation needs to be armed with knowledge so that they can penetrate the American political system to make the desired change in the American foreign policy towered Palestinian issue, in addition to the importance of a thoughtful integration in American society- for or the same reasons as mentioned above, while maintaining their ethnic

identity and national belonging to Palestine as a Homeland and a cause.