In what ways is violence a necessary aspect of the modern nation state? In asking this provocative question, Andrea Molle opens a new chapter in the development of martial arts studies as well as political science more generally. Deftly weaving together pressing topics such as nationalism, political conflict, and violence manifested on both the interpersonal and political levels he is able to shine a bright light on some of the most pressing questions of our current social moment. This opening statement in the area of ‘political hoplology’ is sure to be referenced by a wide variety of scholars for years to come.

Benjamin N. Judkins, co-editor of the journal Martial Arts Studies (Cardiff University Press)

Andrea Molle’s exhaustive investigation of Krav Maga is a massive contribution that will serve to fill a glaring gap in the study of martial arts. Hereafter, it surely must be included in the bibliography of all serious scholarly works looking at the political and social implications of martial arts and the connection between ritualized violence and the formation of national identity. Molle’s masterful tome opens our eyes to the immense potential of this field of academic inquiry.

Alex Bennett, Kansai University

As the popularity of Krav Maga grows, it bears asking what relationship practitioners envision between the art, the state of Israel, and the Jewish people. Is Krav Maga merely seen as a highly efficacious means of defending oneself, or does aligning oneself with the art signify an ideological position? In asking questions such as these, Molle carves out a space for what he calls political hoplology. This book represents a much-needed addition to the growing field of martial arts studies by turning our attention to the ways in which martial arts not only have the potential to shape the identities of individual practitioners but may also affect how the public perceives the nations and ethnic groups that created or popularized those arts.

Lauren Miller Griffith, Texas Tech University

Most people typically associate the martial arts – for example, Judo, Karate and Muay Thai – with the countries of the Far East, including Japan, China, South Korea and Thailand; however, a number of non-eastern Asian countries are also home to the martial arts, including Brazil, Mexico and Russia. Israel, too, falls within the latter group, its particular martial art known as Krav Maga, which is a Hebrew term for close quarters fighting... [Molle’s] monograph offers an illuminating excursion into the history of Krav Maga, as well as a sensible interpretation of its role in building up both collective solidarity and individual self-empowerment. Scholars interested in the social, cultural and/ or political impact of this martial art should find his book useful to their academic pursuits.

Israel Affairs