This article focusses on the role of Dutch minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Luns in the Arab-Israeli peace negotiations of 1967-1971. The main question is why Joseph Luns took on a more active...Show moreThis article focusses on the role of Dutch minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Luns in the Arab-Israeli peace negotiations of 1967-1971. The main question is why Joseph Luns took on a more active role in the Arab-Israeli conflict after the end of Six-Day War. To answer this question this article analyses Luns as a diplomat and politician and his understanding of the world order during the Cold War and the international relations within that order. Joseph Luns attached great importance to the division and balance of the world in East and West and his decisions as minister were based upon this believe. Before the outbreak of the Six-Day War the relationship between the Netherlands and Israel was relatively strong and characterized by Dutch support for Israel during wars and UN votes. The Six-Day War and its aftermath jeopardized the reputation of the Netherland in the Middle East and showed Joseph Luns that the instability of the region could disturb the international balance of that time. To prevent escalation Luns positioned himself in the peace negotiations that followed the war. He believed that by doing so he could not only help find a lasting and acceptable solution for the Arab-Israeli conflict but could also strengthen the relationship between the Netherlands and the Arabic world and protect Dutch interests.Show less
