Ronen Mandelkern
@mandelkern.bsky.social
Political economist
@TelAvivUni
Neoliberalism; Macroeconomic Policy; Welfare State; Privatization; Economists; Ideas & Institutions
https://sites.google.com/view/ronenmandelkern
https://sites.google.com/view/pen-workshop
@TelAvivUni
Neoliberalism; Macroeconomic Policy; Welfare State; Privatization; Economists; Ideas & Institutions
https://sites.google.com/view/ronenmandelkern
https://sites.google.com/view/pen-workshop
16/
We got lots of excellent feedback along the way, and we are especially thankful to
@danielbeland.bsky.social
@yoniabramson.bsky.social
Julie Cooper, Hanna Lerner, Jonathan Rynhold & Yossi Shain, and to the editors and anonymous reviewers of
@poppublicsphere.bsky.social
We got lots of excellent feedback along the way, and we are especially thankful to
@danielbeland.bsky.social
@yoniabramson.bsky.social
Julie Cooper, Hanna Lerner, Jonathan Rynhold & Yossi Shain, and to the editors and anonymous reviewers of
@poppublicsphere.bsky.social
October 20, 2025 at 7:38 PM
16/
We got lots of excellent feedback along the way, and we are especially thankful to
@danielbeland.bsky.social
@yoniabramson.bsky.social
Julie Cooper, Hanna Lerner, Jonathan Rynhold & Yossi Shain, and to the editors and anonymous reviewers of
@poppublicsphere.bsky.social
We got lots of excellent feedback along the way, and we are especially thankful to
@danielbeland.bsky.social
@yoniabramson.bsky.social
Julie Cooper, Hanna Lerner, Jonathan Rynhold & Yossi Shain, and to the editors and anonymous reviewers of
@poppublicsphere.bsky.social
15/
For diaspora politics, the study reveals a new kind of influence: Diaspora actors can be ideological entrepreneurs, not just donors - taking part in remaking their homeland’s ideas through shared identity and resources.
For diaspora politics, the study reveals a new kind of influence: Diaspora actors can be ideological entrepreneurs, not just donors - taking part in remaking their homeland’s ideas through shared identity and resources.
October 20, 2025 at 7:38 PM
15/
For diaspora politics, the study reveals a new kind of influence: Diaspora actors can be ideological entrepreneurs, not just donors - taking part in remaking their homeland’s ideas through shared identity and resources.
For diaspora politics, the study reveals a new kind of influence: Diaspora actors can be ideological entrepreneurs, not just donors - taking part in remaking their homeland’s ideas through shared identity and resources.
14/
For Israel, this explains how American conservatism reshaped right-wing ideology - without replacing its ethno-nationalist foundation.
For Israel, this explains how American conservatism reshaped right-wing ideology - without replacing its ethno-nationalist foundation.
October 20, 2025 at 7:38 PM
14/
For Israel, this explains how American conservatism reshaped right-wing ideology - without replacing its ethno-nationalist foundation.
For Israel, this explains how American conservatism reshaped right-wing ideology - without replacing its ethno-nationalist foundation.
13/
Key takeaway: Diaspora–Local Cooperation (DLC) allows ideational imports across multiple domains - but only when these ideas align with local actors’ needs and core beliefs do they generate a comprehensive ideological transformation.
Key takeaway: Diaspora–Local Cooperation (DLC) allows ideational imports across multiple domains - but only when these ideas align with local actors’ needs and core beliefs do they generate a comprehensive ideological transformation.
October 20, 2025 at 7:38 PM
13/
Key takeaway: Diaspora–Local Cooperation (DLC) allows ideational imports across multiple domains - but only when these ideas align with local actors’ needs and core beliefs do they generate a comprehensive ideological transformation.
Key takeaway: Diaspora–Local Cooperation (DLC) allows ideational imports across multiple domains - but only when these ideas align with local actors’ needs and core beliefs do they generate a comprehensive ideological transformation.
12/
But ideological change varied across domains:
✅ Deep in government & law (high fit with the Right’s interests).
⚙️ Moderate in economy.
👪 Limited in morality (less political utility, internal divisions).
But ideological change varied across domains:
✅ Deep in government & law (high fit with the Right’s interests).
⚙️ Moderate in economy.
👪 Limited in morality (less political utility, internal divisions).
October 20, 2025 at 7:38 PM
12/
But ideological change varied across domains:
✅ Deep in government & law (high fit with the Right’s interests).
⚙️ Moderate in economy.
👪 Limited in morality (less political utility, internal divisions).
But ideological change varied across domains:
✅ Deep in government & law (high fit with the Right’s interests).
⚙️ Moderate in economy.
👪 Limited in morality (less political utility, internal divisions).
11/
On social issues, American “family values” language—once absent in Israeli discourse—entered mainstream politics, shaping debates on feminism, LGBT rights, and Israel’s refusal to sign the Istanbul Convention.
On social issues, American “family values” language—once absent in Israeli discourse—entered mainstream politics, shaping debates on feminism, LGBT rights, and Israel’s refusal to sign the Istanbul Convention.
October 20, 2025 at 7:38 PM
11/
On social issues, American “family values” language—once absent in Israeli discourse—entered mainstream politics, shaping debates on feminism, LGBT rights, and Israel’s refusal to sign the Istanbul Convention.
On social issues, American “family values” language—once absent in Israeli discourse—entered mainstream politics, shaping debates on feminism, LGBT rights, and Israel’s refusal to sign the Istanbul Convention.
10/
Economically, neoliberal ideas were reconciled with and justified through Jewish tradition - casting self-reliance and limited government as biblical virtues.
Economically, neoliberal ideas were reconciled with and justified through Jewish tradition - casting self-reliance and limited government as biblical virtues.
October 20, 2025 at 7:38 PM
10/
Economically, neoliberal ideas were reconciled with and justified through Jewish tradition - casting self-reliance and limited government as biblical virtues.
Economically, neoliberal ideas were reconciled with and justified through Jewish tradition - casting self-reliance and limited government as biblical virtues.
9/
This shift was most visible in the judicial overhaul: Ideas first articulated in Kohelet’s papers - curbing judicial review, limiting legal advisors’ authority - became core government policy.
This shift was most visible in the judicial overhaul: Ideas first articulated in Kohelet’s papers - curbing judicial review, limiting legal advisors’ authority - became core government policy.
October 20, 2025 at 7:38 PM
9/
This shift was most visible in the judicial overhaul: Ideas first articulated in Kohelet’s papers - curbing judicial review, limiting legal advisors’ authority - became core government policy.
This shift was most visible in the judicial overhaul: Ideas first articulated in Kohelet’s papers - curbing judicial review, limiting legal advisors’ authority - became core government policy.
8/
The outcome? A genuine ideological shift within Israel’s Right. Yet this shift was not a rupture but a reconfiguration. The Israeli Right retained its core tenets - ethno-nationalism and territorial maximalism—while integrating new conservative ideas into its broader ideological framework.
The outcome? A genuine ideological shift within Israel’s Right. Yet this shift was not a rupture but a reconfiguration. The Israeli Right retained its core tenets - ethno-nationalism and territorial maximalism—while integrating new conservative ideas into its broader ideological framework.
October 20, 2025 at 7:38 PM
8/
The outcome? A genuine ideological shift within Israel’s Right. Yet this shift was not a rupture but a reconfiguration. The Israeli Right retained its core tenets - ethno-nationalism and territorial maximalism—while integrating new conservative ideas into its broader ideological framework.
The outcome? A genuine ideological shift within Israel’s Right. Yet this shift was not a rupture but a reconfiguration. The Israeli Right retained its core tenets - ethno-nationalism and territorial maximalism—while integrating new conservative ideas into its broader ideological framework.
7/
This diaspora–local network translated, localized, and promoted American conservative ideas:
📘 Translated Scalia, Sowell, and Friedman.
⚖️ Advocated “judicial restraint.”
🏫 Promoted “school choice.”
👨👩👧👦 Imported “family values” discourse.
This diaspora–local network translated, localized, and promoted American conservative ideas:
📘 Translated Scalia, Sowell, and Friedman.
⚖️ Advocated “judicial restraint.”
🏫 Promoted “school choice.”
👨👩👧👦 Imported “family values” discourse.
October 20, 2025 at 7:38 PM
7/
This diaspora–local network translated, localized, and promoted American conservative ideas:
📘 Translated Scalia, Sowell, and Friedman.
⚖️ Advocated “judicial restraint.”
🏫 Promoted “school choice.”
👨👩👧👦 Imported “family values” discourse.
This diaspora–local network translated, localized, and promoted American conservative ideas:
📘 Translated Scalia, Sowell, and Friedman.
⚖️ Advocated “judicial restraint.”
🏫 Promoted “school choice.”
👨👩👧👦 Imported “family values” discourse.
6/
Empirically, we trace how Jewish-American conservatives and Israeli right-wing actors cooperated to build new institutions like Kohelet Policy Forum and the Tikvah Fund that became hubs of conservative thought in Israel.
Empirically, we trace how Jewish-American conservatives and Israeli right-wing actors cooperated to build new institutions like Kohelet Policy Forum and the Tikvah Fund that became hubs of conservative thought in Israel.
October 20, 2025 at 7:38 PM
6/
Empirically, we trace how Jewish-American conservatives and Israeli right-wing actors cooperated to build new institutions like Kohelet Policy Forum and the Tikvah Fund that became hubs of conservative thought in Israel.
Empirically, we trace how Jewish-American conservatives and Israeli right-wing actors cooperated to build new institutions like Kohelet Policy Forum and the Tikvah Fund that became hubs of conservative thought in Israel.
5/
In practice, diaspora actors supply resources + ideas,Local actors adapt (“localize”) them to domestic politics and discourse so it will resonate with the public → Together they build organizations that promote these ideas.
In practice, diaspora actors supply resources + ideas,Local actors adapt (“localize”) them to domestic politics and discourse so it will resonate with the public → Together they build organizations that promote these ideas.
October 20, 2025 at 7:38 PM
5/
In practice, diaspora actors supply resources + ideas,Local actors adapt (“localize”) them to domestic politics and discourse so it will resonate with the public → Together they build organizations that promote these ideas.
In practice, diaspora actors supply resources + ideas,Local actors adapt (“localize”) them to domestic politics and discourse so it will resonate with the public → Together they build organizations that promote these ideas.
4/
This kinship turns DLC into a unique channel of ideational importation. It allows the transfer of ideas across multiple domains - in our case, governmental, economic, and social moralities - which cumulate into an ideological shift, not just isolated policy transfer.
This kinship turns DLC into a unique channel of ideational importation. It allows the transfer of ideas across multiple domains - in our case, governmental, economic, and social moralities - which cumulate into an ideological shift, not just isolated policy transfer.
October 20, 2025 at 7:38 PM
4/
This kinship turns DLC into a unique channel of ideational importation. It allows the transfer of ideas across multiple domains - in our case, governmental, economic, and social moralities - which cumulate into an ideological shift, not just isolated policy transfer.
This kinship turns DLC into a unique channel of ideational importation. It allows the transfer of ideas across multiple domains - in our case, governmental, economic, and social moralities - which cumulate into an ideological shift, not just isolated policy transfer.
3/
We propose a new mechanism to explain it: Diaspora–Local Cooperation (DLC): Collaboration between diaspora and homeland actors who share both values and a sense of belonging to the same nation.
We propose a new mechanism to explain it: Diaspora–Local Cooperation (DLC): Collaboration between diaspora and homeland actors who share both values and a sense of belonging to the same nation.
October 20, 2025 at 7:38 PM
3/
We propose a new mechanism to explain it: Diaspora–Local Cooperation (DLC): Collaboration between diaspora and homeland actors who share both values and a sense of belonging to the same nation.
We propose a new mechanism to explain it: Diaspora–Local Cooperation (DLC): Collaboration between diaspora and homeland actors who share both values and a sense of belonging to the same nation.
2/
Existing theories of ideational importation - via states, experts, or transnational networks - can’t explain this. The U.S. didn’t promote it; Israeli experts opposed it; and no global conservative think-tank network was at play.
Existing theories of ideational importation - via states, experts, or transnational networks - can’t explain this. The U.S. didn’t promote it; Israeli experts opposed it; and no global conservative think-tank network was at play.
October 20, 2025 at 7:38 PM
2/
Existing theories of ideational importation - via states, experts, or transnational networks - can’t explain this. The U.S. didn’t promote it; Israeli experts opposed it; and no global conservative think-tank network was at play.
Existing theories of ideational importation - via states, experts, or transnational networks - can’t explain this. The U.S. didn’t promote it; Israeli experts opposed it; and no global conservative think-tank network was at play.
1/
American-style conservatism - free markets, family values, judicial restraint - was historically foreign to Israel’s Right, which focused on ethnonationalism and territorial maximalism. Yet recently, the Israeli Right started embracing these ideas. Why?
American-style conservatism - free markets, family values, judicial restraint - was historically foreign to Israel’s Right, which focused on ethnonationalism and territorial maximalism. Yet recently, the Israeli Right started embracing these ideas. Why?
October 20, 2025 at 7:38 PM
1/
American-style conservatism - free markets, family values, judicial restraint - was historically foreign to Israel’s Right, which focused on ethnonationalism and territorial maximalism. Yet recently, the Israeli Right started embracing these ideas. Why?
American-style conservatism - free markets, family values, judicial restraint - was historically foreign to Israel’s Right, which focused on ethnonationalism and territorial maximalism. Yet recently, the Israeli Right started embracing these ideas. Why?
16/
We got lots of excellent feedback along the way, and we are especially thankful to
@danielbeland.bsky.social
@yoniabramson.bsky.social
as well as Julie Cooper, Hanna Lerner, Jonathan Rynhold & Yossi Shain, and to the editors and anonymous reviewers of
@poppublicsphere.bsky.social
We got lots of excellent feedback along the way, and we are especially thankful to
@danielbeland.bsky.social
@yoniabramson.bsky.social
as well as Julie Cooper, Hanna Lerner, Jonathan Rynhold & Yossi Shain, and to the editors and anonymous reviewers of
@poppublicsphere.bsky.social
October 20, 2025 at 7:27 PM
16/
We got lots of excellent feedback along the way, and we are especially thankful to
@danielbeland.bsky.social
@yoniabramson.bsky.social
as well as Julie Cooper, Hanna Lerner, Jonathan Rynhold & Yossi Shain, and to the editors and anonymous reviewers of
@poppublicsphere.bsky.social
We got lots of excellent feedback along the way, and we are especially thankful to
@danielbeland.bsky.social
@yoniabramson.bsky.social
as well as Julie Cooper, Hanna Lerner, Jonathan Rynhold & Yossi Shain, and to the editors and anonymous reviewers of
@poppublicsphere.bsky.social
15/
For diaspora politics, the study reveals a new kind of influence: Diaspora actors can be ideological entrepreneurs, not just donors - taking part in remaking their homeland’s ideas through shared identity and resources.
For diaspora politics, the study reveals a new kind of influence: Diaspora actors can be ideological entrepreneurs, not just donors - taking part in remaking their homeland’s ideas through shared identity and resources.
October 20, 2025 at 7:27 PM
15/
For diaspora politics, the study reveals a new kind of influence: Diaspora actors can be ideological entrepreneurs, not just donors - taking part in remaking their homeland’s ideas through shared identity and resources.
For diaspora politics, the study reveals a new kind of influence: Diaspora actors can be ideological entrepreneurs, not just donors - taking part in remaking their homeland’s ideas through shared identity and resources.
14/
For Israel, this explains how American conservatism reshaped right-wing ideology - without replacing its ethno-nationalist foundation.
For Israel, this explains how American conservatism reshaped right-wing ideology - without replacing its ethno-nationalist foundation.
October 20, 2025 at 7:27 PM
14/
For Israel, this explains how American conservatism reshaped right-wing ideology - without replacing its ethno-nationalist foundation.
For Israel, this explains how American conservatism reshaped right-wing ideology - without replacing its ethno-nationalist foundation.
13/
Key takeaway: Diaspora-Local Cooperation (DLC) allows ideational imports across multiple domains - but only when these ideas align with local actors’ needs and core beliefs do they generate a comprehensive ideological transformation.
Key takeaway: Diaspora-Local Cooperation (DLC) allows ideational imports across multiple domains - but only when these ideas align with local actors’ needs and core beliefs do they generate a comprehensive ideological transformation.
October 20, 2025 at 7:27 PM
13/
Key takeaway: Diaspora-Local Cooperation (DLC) allows ideational imports across multiple domains - but only when these ideas align with local actors’ needs and core beliefs do they generate a comprehensive ideological transformation.
Key takeaway: Diaspora-Local Cooperation (DLC) allows ideational imports across multiple domains - but only when these ideas align with local actors’ needs and core beliefs do they generate a comprehensive ideological transformation.
12/
But ideological change varied across domains:
✅ Deep in government & law (high fit with the Right’s interests).
⚙️ Moderate in economy.
👪 Limited in morality (less political utility, internal divisions).
But ideological change varied across domains:
✅ Deep in government & law (high fit with the Right’s interests).
⚙️ Moderate in economy.
👪 Limited in morality (less political utility, internal divisions).
October 20, 2025 at 7:27 PM
12/
But ideological change varied across domains:
✅ Deep in government & law (high fit with the Right’s interests).
⚙️ Moderate in economy.
👪 Limited in morality (less political utility, internal divisions).
But ideological change varied across domains:
✅ Deep in government & law (high fit with the Right’s interests).
⚙️ Moderate in economy.
👪 Limited in morality (less political utility, internal divisions).
11/
On social issues, American “family values” language - once absent in Israeli discourse - entered mainstream politics, shaping debates on feminism, LGBT rights, and Israel’s refusal to sign the Istanbul Convention.
On social issues, American “family values” language - once absent in Israeli discourse - entered mainstream politics, shaping debates on feminism, LGBT rights, and Israel’s refusal to sign the Istanbul Convention.
October 20, 2025 at 7:27 PM
11/
On social issues, American “family values” language - once absent in Israeli discourse - entered mainstream politics, shaping debates on feminism, LGBT rights, and Israel’s refusal to sign the Istanbul Convention.
On social issues, American “family values” language - once absent in Israeli discourse - entered mainstream politics, shaping debates on feminism, LGBT rights, and Israel’s refusal to sign the Istanbul Convention.