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Faculty of Social Studies
Reviewer's Bachelor Thesis Assessment Report
Author: Itai Blumberg
Middle Eastern Alliance with Israel: Likely effects and Current Probability
Mgr. Lenka Martinkovä
Mgr. Martin Chovanöik, Ph.D.
Department of International Relations and European Studies - Faculty of Social
Studies
Title:
Supervisor:
Reviewer:
Department:
The final grade is contingent on both the text of the thesis AND the defense proceedings
themselves.
Evaluation brackets: Criteria met fully; Criteria met with minor deficiencies; Criteria met with
major deficiencies; Criteria not met.
1. The argument of the thesis is clearly defined and presented OR the policy paper
offers clearly presented recommendations: Criteria met with minor deficiencies
The argument of the thesis is not denned well. The thesis "analyzes" and asks "whether", but
does not present a unified strong argument that would weave through the text. One is axiomatically
present by the work§s reliance on the key role of the Abraham accords, but this is rather
a statement more thna an argument.
2. Thesis presents the relevance of a topicand a clear stance on it: Criteria met with major
deficiencies
A clearer juxtaposition or application of the chosen theories would be most welcome. While they
are used well as a frame for analysis, they are not applied argumentatively. I.e. alliance theory
says there are certain milestones, which when overcome, lead to following logical steps - and
therefore the paper sees Israel having overcome one as aligning with this theory. Here's proof
and here are the challenges to said proof. While this seems to be the general direction of the text,
it does not own to this position. Nor does it byt the way address what would be the alternative.
3. Thesis concisely and correctly revises the main topic and choses appropriate representative
points of argument: Criteria met with minor deficiencies
The thesis is not updated for the events of the past year(s), nor does it effectively delve much
deeper into relations with Egypt over Gaza or SA over Lebanon etc. Hence it skisp both events
and literature that would greatly benefit the building of the argument.
4. Thesis critically assess existing argumentation sources: Criteria met with major defici-
encies
This component is unfortunately missing from the thesis. It is a shame, because it would force
the thesis to more clearly state it's argument and test it vs. counterarguments that the Accords
are merely an interim blip.
5. Thesis offers a substantiated and well-supported argument: Criteria met with major
deficiencies
Reviewer's Bachelor Thesis Assessment Report Itai Blumberg, uco 518620
The argument, although understated, is not developed enough and tested vs. counterclaims
to be adequately substantiated. The reader is not given enough datapoints and support to be
convinced that the "position" in the position paper is correct. That is not to say it is incorrect,
merely that the reader doesn't have enough information to get on board.
6. Thesis offers new insight into argumentation: Criteria met with minor deficiencies
The detente/rapprochement debate over Israel has been present for a period and could also have
been better represented by sources.
7. Structure(logical structure of sentences, paragraphs, and chapters): Criteria met with
minor deficiencies
8. Style (elocution, use of academic style): Criteria met fully
9. Sources and citing (evidence is properly cited according to ethical rules, correct use
of chosen citation style, correct bibliography): Criteria met with minor deficiencies
The sources are listed using various citation standards, and more importantly - considering the
current nature of the topic - are somewhat dated with fewer sources from 2024/2023 than from
preceding periods.
10. Thesis extent fits within the recommended range (8,500 - 10,000 words including
footnotes, bibliography, without appendices): Meets
11. Questions and overall commentary:
The thesis has a great idea for either a research or position paper. It is true that Israel's rapprochement
with the Arab world is a highly relevant topic that could be subjected to more research.
However, there is nothing controversial about it and it needs to be approached with a rigorous,
as-objective-as-possible approach to yield adequate results. The thesis makes it part of the way,
but unfortunately falls short of the standards for a strong extended position paper. The one major
fault rests with the absence of counter-arguments against which the argument could be spelled
out more clearly, and tested. It does however, gather relevant insights into the trajectory that
seems to be a more and more viable option.
In the debate, il would like to ask what the author sees as necessary next steps to hold this
trajectory? And vice versa, what may disrupt said trajectory - due to the unfolding events?
12. Recommended evaluation: E
In Brno 13.1.2025
Mgr. Martin Chovancik, Ph.D.
Mgr. Martin Chovancik, Ph.D. 2