KEEPING THE BOYCOTT MOMENTUM- FROM ‘WAR ON GAZA’ TILL ‘FREE-PALESTINE’

Abstract

Boycott was optimized in recent history more than ever as a tool in support of freedom movements and, most recently, the ‘Free-Palestinian’ and ‘Stop War on Gaza’ movements. This paper investigates the dimensions and the psychology of the boycott, taking success stories such as the South African Apartheid boycott as profound analogical references. The power and influence of boycotts and buycotts are explored further to set forward a proposed design that balances the mechanism of the pull-and-push boycott momentum framework and creates a clear impact. An action plan supported by a prioritization matrix is suggested to sustain the boycott impact and momentum. The matrix should help to move the passive boycotters over time to become active boycotters again and thus sustain the momentum during the War on Gaza 2023 or even after it stops. The research concludes with specific practical recommendations for more initiation of focused boycotts to support the Free-Palestine movements while optimizing the balance between boycott and buycott. This study shows clear pathways to avoid any potential challenges in sustaining the momentum of the boycott and how to utilize the formulas of management of change and raise the availability of coordination, or alternative buycott through coordinated cooperatives that would keep the learning feedback loop evolving and then share these success stories. The other implication of this research is that it put forward mechanisms, approaches and a framework that keep awaking the psychology of dispensing rather than temporary boycotting while maintaining the clarity of the boycott goals to make a sharp tool towards ending the oppression of Palestine and the Palestinians.