ABSTRACT
This chapter takes the form of biographical reflection of the way in which the academic boycott works in Middle East studies. Through an exploration of several experiences, it suggests that this policy has had a detrimental impact on Palestinian and Arab politics. It makes discussion of Jewish national identity taboo and demands that support for Palestine necessarily means opposing the Jewish state. In this way the academic boycott campaign limits academic freedom and attempts to foreclose Palestinian policy options that could lead to a Palestinian state. As such it fuels the conflict and prolongs the suffering of the Palestinian people. The increased isolation of the Palestinians in the Arab world has been one result. Within Europe and North America, the boycott movement has become increasingly mired in antisemitic policies which has prevented the emergence of a broad democratic movement to support a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel. The paradox is that efforts to erase Israel have resulted in the marginalisation of the Palestinians.
