The struggle between Israel and the Palestinians is not unique - whatever the news media may suggest. Lorenzo Veracini argues that the conflict is best understood in terms of colonialism. Like many other societies, Israel is a settler society. Looking in detail at the evolution of other colonial regimes, including South Africa, French Algeria and Australia, Veracini presents a thoughtful interpretation of the dynamics of colonialism, offering a clear framework within which to understand the Middle East crisis. Veracini shows how Israeli society is organised along Apartheid lines - and that Apartheid was not unique to South Africa, but a common feature of colonisation. He examines wars of decolonisation, and conflicts where whole native populations were all but eradicated - as in Australia. Comparing and contrasting these with the more recent history of Israel and Palestine, he offers a critical perspective on colonialism as well as important new insights into patterns of imperialism today.