Stephen Walt is a professor of international affairs at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government who has consistently propagated antisemitic conspiracy theories and attacked the legitimacy of Israel.
In 2006, Walt co-authored the notorious book “The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy,” which accused pro-Israel lobbying groups, particularly AIPAC, of exerting disproportionate control over American foreign policy. These claims echo antisemitic tropes about Jewish groups manipulating governments, a theme that has been widely condemned for promoting dangerous conspiracy theories.
Walt continues to publish articles that expand on these theories, suggesting that the U.S.-Israel relationship inspires global terrorism, including the 9/11 attacks. He has repeatedly advocated for weakening U.S.-Israel relations, positioning Israel as the root cause of American foreign policy problems.
Participation in Controversial Conferences
In 2012, Walt participated in a highly controversial conference at Harvard titled “The One-State Conference: Israel/Palestine and the One State Solution.” This event focused on the hypothetical dissolution of Israel as a Jewish state—a position that undermines Israel’s right to exist and aligns with the goals of extremist organizations.
Demonizing Israel and Denying Self-Defense
In 2014, Walt denied Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas’s terrorist attacks during Operation Protective Edge. He claimed that Israel’s military response was a political maneuver to destabilize Palestinian factions and further a so-called colonial project in the West Bank.
Walt has accused Israel of apartheid and ethnic cleansing, ignoring the terrorist threats Israel faces from groups like Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. In multiple articles, he framed Israeli defensive actions as conspiratorial plots, minimizing the rocket attacks and violence directed at Israeli civilians.
Blaming Israel for Global Terrorism
In 2015, Walt claimed that U.S. support for Israel was a key factor leading to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This assertion shifts blame from the actual perpetrators of 9/11 (Al-Qaeda) to Israel, furthering an antisemitic narrative that Jews are responsible for global unrest.
Recent Accusations Against Israel
In 2024, Walt accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and additional war crimes against civilians. He continues to paint Israel as an aggressor, while ignoring the atrocities committed by terrorist groups like Hamas.
A Dangerous Influence on National Discourse
Through his writings and public appearances, Stephen Walt has become a leading voice in spreading antisemitic conspiracy theories under the guise of academic critique. His influence extends beyond Harvard, shaping national and international discussions on U.S. foreign policy and legitimizing extremist views that target Jewish communities.
