ABSTRACT
Each of the world's 160-plus independent countries has some claim to being unique. Israel is like other countries in some traits. It has earned a place in lists of countries that are democracies; are pluralistic; have mixed economies; and have bureaucracies that are rational and competent. One element in the government's dominance of the economy—and distinctive in itself—is Israel's military. Most prominent are the size and dominance of Israel's government. One point has already been made about the distinctive character of Israel's economy: the large role played by the government. Israel's politics reveals several distinctive features that derive from the Jewish characteristics of the society. Several of Israel's distinctive features get in the way of those who would judge the country according to international norms. These problems fall equally on Israelis and foreigners, policymakers and political scientists.
