Collectivism vs. individualism: Can the EU learn from the history of the Israeli Kibbutz?

Authors

  • Nellie Munin Independent scholar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46282/blr.2017.1.1.68

Keywords:

Kibbutz, European Union, Integration, Crises

Abstract

The EU seems to share some basic characteristics with the original model of the Israeli Kibbutz: both aim at enhancing a society based on solidarity and mutual guarantee, where members’ contribution is proportional to their abilities while their benefits are determined according to their needs. Both are underlined by the perception of subsidiarity, according to which the alliance is stronger than each of its individual members and can thus enhance their welfare more efficiently. On the other hand, both the Kibbutz and the EU were or are facing similar dilemmas. This paper reviews the efforts of Israeli Kibbutzim to encounter these challenges throughout their history, assessing whether a lesson relevant to current EU dilemmas can be drawn.

Author Biography

  • Nellie Munin, Independent scholar

    LLD, Advocate, independent scholar, Former Minister of Economic Affairs
    in the Israeli Mission to the EU
    Former Chief Legal Advisor, State Revenue Administration,
    the Israeli Ministry of Finance.
    Former Associate Professor at the law school,
    Zefat Academic College, Israel.

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Published

01-10-2017

How to Cite

Collectivism vs. individualism: Can the EU learn from the history of the Israeli Kibbutz?. (2017). Bratislava Law Review, 1(1), 29-47. https://doi.org/10.46282/blr.2017.1.1.68

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