Dark Crusade offers the most nuanced analysis yet written of the dangerous and complex phenomenon of Christian Zionism's influence on American foreign policy,

Despite its efforts to promote peace and instil democracy in the region, America is viewed by many in the Middle East as a dishonest broker waging a 'dark crusade' against its enemies: in covert collaboration with Israel. The crucial hostility to Arab and Palestinian interests of the so-called 'Zionist lobby' in the US has long been recognised. But it is another less familiar element in US politics that increasingly calls the shots on Capitol Hill, directing the course of American foreign policy there: Christian Zionism.Christian Zionists now influence not only the Republican Party, but also the White House and Congress. Protestant fundamentalists anticipating the end of the world, they have long made common cause with the most extreme political elements in the state of Israel. But why? Jews and fundamentalist Christians hardly look like natural allies. Adhering to a feverish apocalyptic ideology, Christian Zionists nevertheless believe that restoration of the entire biblical Holy Land to the Jewish people will result the thousand-year reign of Christ.
During his eleven years working in the Senate, Christian Kiracofe observed at first hand the deep-seated influence of Christian Zionism on American foreign policy, and is uniquely qualified to assess its significance. Dark Crusade offers the most nuanced analysis yet written of this dangerous and complex phenomenon.

Dr. Clifford A. Kiracofe, JR. holds a BA, MA, and Ph.D. in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia. He is a former Senior Professional Staff Member of the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. He has taught international relations at Washington and Lee University and at Virginia Military Institute. He has also taught at China Foreign Affairs University (Beijing). He is a columnist for Beijing Review (Beijing) and China Focus (Beijing) and has written for Global Times (Beijing). He has been a Knight Journalism Fellow which supported research and travel to Russia, Mexico, Panama, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan. He has been a member of the National Conference of Editorial Writers (now Association of Opinion Journalists) and was on its International Affairs Committee.